The Constitution and Bylaws of CSEA3 serve as the guiding framework for our operations, governance, and member responsibilities. All members are expected to uphold the principles outlined in these documents to ensure transparency, fairness, and effective representation.
Constitution of the Central and Southern European Allergy and Asthma Alliance (CSEA3)
Preamble
CSEA3 is an independent, non-profit, membership-based scientific and professional organisation dedicated to strengthening collaboration and integration across Central and Southern Europe.
CSEA3 brings together healthcare professionals, scientists, researchers, national and regional scientific societies, professional organisations, patient organisations, academic institutions, and other organisations sharing the objectives of CSEA3.
CSEA3 is committed to scientific excellence, independence, transparency, collegiality, inclusiveness, and freedom of scientific and professional cooperation.
Article 1: Name
The name of the organization shall be the Central and Southern European Allergy and Asthma Alliance (CSEA3).
Article 2: Nature and Objectives
2.1 Nature of the Organisation
CSEA3 is an independent, non-profit, membership-based scientific and professional organisation.
CSEA3 shall operate in accordance with the principles of democratic governance, scientific independence, transparency, professional integrity, and equal participation of its members.
Membership of CSEA3 shall not restrict any member or member organisation from cooperating with other scientific societies, professional organisations, alliances, networks, institutions, companies, or other partners.
2.2 Objectives
The objectives of CSEA3 are:
- Collaboration and Integration
To foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, scientists, national and regional scientific societies, organisations, institutions, and other stakeholders from Central and Southern Europe, promoting the integration of efforts in allergy, asthma, immunology, and related fields. - Scientific Research
To support, promote, conduct, and disseminate high-quality scientific research in allergy, asthma, immunology, and related fields, with the aim of advancing scientific knowledge and improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical practice. - Patient Care and Education
To enhance the quality of patient care by promoting evidence-based clinical practice, education and training of healthcare professionals, and patient-centred approaches. - Capacity Building
To strengthen regional capacity through training programmes, workshops, seminars, conferences, fellowships, mentoring, and other educational activities. - Public Awareness and Advocacy
To increase public awareness of allergy, asthma, and related diseases, including their prevention and management, and to support initiatives and policies that improve health and quality of life. - International Collaboration
To establish and maintain cooperation with international and regional scientific, professional, governmental, non-governmental, patient, and other relevant organisations. - Professional Development
To support early-career professionals, researchers, trainees, and other healthcare professionals through educational, scientific, mentoring, and networking opportunities. - Clinical Guidelines and Standards
To contribute to the development, dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based clinical guidelines, standards, consensus documents, and practical recommendations. - Regional Cooperation
To strengthen scientific and professional cooperation among countries and regions of Central and Southern Europe while respecting national, cultural, organisational, and healthcare-system differences. - Other Activities
To undertake any other lawful activities consistent with the mission and objectives of CSEA3.
Article 3: Membership
3.1 Eligibility
Membership of CSEA3 shall be open to individuals and organisations whose professional, scientific, educational, patientcare, or other activities are consistent with the objectives of CSEA3.
Membership may include:
- healthcare professionals;
- scientists and researchers;
- academics;
- early-career professionals and trainees;
- patients and patient organisations;
- other individuals or organisations contributing to the objectives of CSEA3.
3.2 Categories of Membership
CSEA3 may establish the following categories of membership:
a) Individual Members
Healthcare professionals, scientists, researchers, academics, and other individuals working or having a professional interest in allergy, asthma, immunology, and related fields.
b) Organisational Members
Professional organisations, patient organisations, academic institutions, research organisations, and other organisations whose activities are consistent with the objectives of CSEA3.
c) Associate Members
Individuals or organisations wishing to participate in CSEA3 activities without full voting rights, as determined by the General Assembly.
d) Honorary Members
Individuals who have made outstanding contributions to allergy, asthma, immunology, scientific research, education, patient care, or the development of CSEA3.
3.3 Admission
Applications for membership shall be submitted in accordance with procedures established by the Board and approved by the General Assembly.
The Board may approve membership applications subject to confirmation by the General Assembly where required by the applicable membership regulations.
3.4 Rights of Members
Each member entitled to voting rights shall have one vote.
Members shall have the right to:
a) participate in the activities of CSEA3;
b) attend meetings of the General Assembly in accordance with their membership category;
c) vote in accordance with this Constitution;
d) stand for election to positions within CSEA3 where eligible;
e) propose initiatives, activities, and amendments to this Constitution; and
f) receive information concerning the activities and governance of CSEA3.
No member shall have more than one vote, irrespective of the number or type of memberships, affiliations, or organisational relationships through which the member participates in CSEA3.
3.5 Responsibilities of Members
Members shall:
a) support the objectives and principles of CSEA3;
b) comply with this Constitution and applicable bylaws, regulations, and policies;
c) uphold the scientific and professional integrity of CSEA3; and
d) fulfil any applicable membership obligations established by the General Assembly.
3.6 Membership and External Cooperation
Membership of CSEA3 shall not prevent any member or member organisation from maintaining membership, cooperation, partnership, or other professional relationships with other organisations.
No exclusivity shall be implied by membership of CSEA3 unless expressly agreed for a specific activity in accordance with applicable law and approved by the Board.
3.7 Termination of Membership
Membership may terminate through:
a) voluntary resignation;
b) dissolution of an organisational member;
c) failure to meet applicable membership requirements; or
d) exclusion for a serious violation of this Constitution or the principles of CSEA3.
Any exclusion shall be subject to appropriate procedural safeguards and may be appealed to the General Assembly.
Article 4: Governance
4.1 General Assembly
The General Assembly shall be the highest governing body of CSEA3.
It shall consist of all members entitled to participate under their respective membership category.
The General Assembly shall meet at least once in every calendar year.
The General Assembly may be held in person, electronically, or in a hybrid format.
4.1.1 Powers of the General Assembly
The General Assembly shall:
a) elect the President;
b) elect the members of the Board who are not members of the Board by virtue of their office;
c) approve the strategic direction of CSEA3;
d) approve the annual activity report;
e) approve the annual financial report;
f) approve, where applicable, the annual budget;
g) determine membership categories and membership fees;
h) approve major organisational policies;
i) establish or approve standing committees and advisory bodies where appropriate;
j) consider proposals submitted by members or the Board;
k) approve amendments to this Constitution;
l) decide on the dissolution of CSEA3; and
m) decide on any other matters reserved to it by this Constitution.
4.1.2 Notice
Members shall receive reasonable advance notice of the General Assembly and its agenda.
4.1.3 Voting
Unless otherwise provided by this Constitution, decisions of the General Assembly shall be adopted by a simple majority of votes cast.
Each voting member shall have one vote.
4.1.4 Quorum
The General Assembly shall be considered duly constituted when the number of members required under the applicable membership regulations is present or represented.
If no specific quorum is established, the General Assembly may proceed irrespective of the number of members present.
4.2 President
The President shall be elected by the General Assembly.
The President shall serve as the principal elected representative of CSEA3 and shall:
a) represent CSEA3 externally;
b) chair meetings of the General Assembly and the Board;
c) ensure the implementation of decisions of the General Assembly;
d) coordinate the work of the Board;
e) promote the mission and objectives of CSEA3; and
f) perform other duties assigned by the General Assembly or the Board.
The President shall not be required to represent any particular member society or organisation.
The President shall serve a three-year term of office.
The President may be re-elected for subsequent terms. Any re-election shall be subject to a decision of the Board to support the continuation of the President and to election by the General Assembly.
The General Assembly may establish further rules concerning the number of consecutive terms.
4.3 Board
The Board shall be the elected governing body responsible for the governance, management, and strategic development of CSEA3 between meetings of the General Assembly.
The Board shall comprise:
a) the President;
b) the Director;
c) the Chairs of the standing committees established under Article 5; and
d) other members elected by the General Assembly.
The President, Director, and Chairs of the standing committees shall serve on the Board ex officio by virtue of their respective positions.
The remaining Board members shall be elected by the General Assembly.
The General Assembly may determine the number of standing committees and the distribution of the remaining elected Board positions, provided that the total number of Board members remains twenty (20).
The Board shall:
a) implement decisions of the General Assembly;
b) develop and implement the strategic programme of CSEA3;
c) oversee scientific, educational, professional, and organisational activities;
d) prepare the annual programme of activities;
e) prepare the annual activity and financial reports;
f) establish working groups and task forces as necessary;
g) oversee cooperation with external organisations and partners;
h) supervise the Director and other executive functions;
i) prepare proposals for consideration by the General Assembly; and
j) perform any other functions delegated by the General Assembly.
The Board shall be accountable to the General Assembly.
4.3.1 Board Terms of Office
Members of the Board elected by the General Assembly shall serve for a three-year term unless otherwise determined by the General Assembly.
Ex officio membership of the Board shall continue for as long as the respective individual holds the position giving rise to such membership.
Vacancies occurring between meetings of the General Assembly may be filled in accordance with procedures established by the Board and subsequently confirmed by the General Assembly where required.
4.4 Director
The Board may appoint a Director responsible for the operational and administrative management of CSEA3.
The Director shall be a member of the Board ex officio for the duration of the Director’s appointment.
The Director shall:
a) coordinate the day-to-day operations of CSEA3;
b) implement decisions of the General Assembly and the Board;
c) coordinate administrative, financial, educational, scientific, and organisational activities;
d) support the preparation of meetings, congresses, programmes, and projects;
e) coordinate CSEA3 staff, contractors, and external service providers, where applicable;
f) prepare operational and financial information for the Board; and
g) perform other functions assigned by the Board.
The Director shall report to the Board.
The Director may attend meetings of the General Assembly and the Board in an executive capacity and shall have voting rights as a member of the Board.
Article 5: Committees and Advisory Bodies
CSEA3 may establish standing committees, scientific committees, working groups, task forces, and advisory bodies.
The following standing committees may be established:
5.1 Scientific Committee
The Scientific Committee shall support and coordinate scientific activities, research initiatives, scientific programmes, publications, and other research-related activities of CSEA3.
The Chair of the Scientific Committee shall serve as a member of the Board ex officio.
5.2 Patient Care and Outreach Committee
The Patient Care and Outreach Committee shall support activities aimed at improving patient care, clinical practice, patient education, public awareness, and cooperation with patient organisations.
The Chair of the Patient Care and Outreach Committee shall serve as a member of the Board ex officio.
5.3 Education and Training Committee
The Education and Training Committee shall develop and coordinate educational programmes, training activities, workshops, webinars, fellowships, and other educational initiatives.
The Chair of the Education and Training Committee shall serve as a member of the Board ex officio.
5.4 Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee may provide independent expert advice to the Board and the General Assembly on strategic, scientific, ethical, organisational, partnership, and policy matters.
The Advisory Committee may recommend matters for consideration by the Board or the General Assembly.
The Chair of the Advisory Committee, where established as a standing committee, shall serve as a member of the Board ex officio.
5.5 Appointment
Members and Chairs of committees and advisory bodies shall be appointed in accordance with rules approved by the Board or the General Assembly.
Appointments shall be based on relevant expertise, experience, professional contribution, and, where appropriate, geographical and disciplinary representation.
Committee membership shall not create an independent governing authority above the Board or the General Assembly
Article 6: Decision-Making
6.1 The General Assembly shall have ultimate authority over CSEA3.
6.2 The Board shall be responsible for governance and strategic management between meetings of the General Assembly.
6.3 The Director shall be responsible for operational management under the authority of the Board.
6.4 The President, Board, and Director shall act within the authority granted by this Constitution and by decisions of the General Assembly.
6.5 Where a matter of fundamental importance to the mission, governance, financial sustainability, or legal status of CSEA3 arises, the Board may convene an extraordinary General Assembly.
Article 7: Meetings and Conferences
7.1 Annual Conference
CSEA3 may organise an annual congress or conference providing a platform for scientific exchange, networking, education, professional development, and collaboration among members and other stakeholders.
7.2 Regional Meetings
CSEA3 may organise regional workshops, educational meetings, training programmes, and other activities throughout Central and Southern Europe.
7.3 General Assembly Meetings
The General Assembly shall meet at least once every calendar year.
Additional or extraordinary meetings may be convened by:
a) the President;
b) the Board; or
c) a written request submitted by the proportion of voting members determined by the General Assembly.
Article 8: Financial Resources
8.1 Sources of Funding
CSEA3 may obtain financial resources from:
a) membership fees;
b) donations and grants;
c) sponsorships and unrestricted educational support;
d) pharmaceutical and other industry partners;
e) foundations and charitable organisations;
f) congresses, conferences, workshops, and educational activities;
g) research and educational projects; and
h) other lawful sources consistent with the objectives and independence of CSEA3.
8.2 Financial Management
The Board shall have overall responsibility for the financial management of CSEA3.
The Director shall be responsible for operational financial management under the supervision of the Board.
The annual financial report shall be presented to the General Assembly for approval.
8.3 Use of Funds
CSEA3 funds shall be used exclusively to achieve the objectives of the organisation.
No profits or assets shall be distributed to individual members.
8.4 Audit
The financial accounts of CSEA3 shall be subject to independent review or audit where required by applicable law or decided by the General Assembly.
Article 9: Scientific Independence and Conflicts of Interest
9.1 CSEA3 shall maintain scientific and professional independence in all its activities.
9.2 Financial support or sponsorship shall not determine scientific conclusions, educational content, clinical recommendations, research results, or governance decisions.
9.3 Members of the Board, committees, and other decision-making bodies shall disclose relevant conflicts of interest in accordance with policies adopted by CSEA3.
9.4 The Board may establish detailed policies governing sponsorship, transparency, conflicts of interest, and cooperation with external partners.
Article 10: Amendments
10.1 This Constitution may be amended by the General Assembly by a simple majority of votes cast.
10.2 Proposed amendments may be submitted by the Board or by voting members in accordance with procedures established by the General Assembly.
10.3 Proposed amendments shall be circulated to members sufficiently in advance of the General Assembly at which they will be considered.
10.4 Amendments shall enter into force upon their approval unless the General Assembly specifies another effective date.
Article 11: Dissolution
11.1 CSEA3 may be dissolved only by a resolution of the General Assembly adopted by a two-thirds majority of votes cast.
11.2 In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets shall be transferred to one or more non-profit organisations with objectives substantially similar to those of CSEA3, as determined by the General Assembly and in accordance with applicable law.
11.3 No remaining assets shall be distributed among individual members.
Article 12: Final Provisions
12.1 This Constitution constitutes the fundamental governing document of CSEA3.
12.2 The General Assembly may adopt bylaws, regulations, policies, and other rules necessary for the implementation of this Constitution.
12.3 In the event of any conflict between this Constitution and any internal regulation, this Constitution shall prevail.
12.4 Matters not expressly regulated by this Constitution shall be decided by the General Assembly or, between meetings of the General Assembly, by the Board within the limits of its authority.
