FESASS Board confirmed in office

The meeting was necessary in order to implement a decision by the Board of FESASS to change the legal form into an international non-profit association (association internationale sans but lucratif, AISBL). This option was introduced in Belgian association law with the introduction of the new Code of Companies and Associations in 2021. An AISBL has an international character, which results from its objective. In practice, this means that the realization of its purpose must be potentially useful beyond the Belgian territory, making this legal form more suitable for EU-wide associations than the normal registered association under Belgian law. In addition, an AISBL is subject to more flexible regulations with regard to the articles of association.

The reorganization was therefore also used to thoroughly revise and modernize the old statutes, which had been adopted when FESASS was founded in December 2001. For example, the possibility of admitting associate members was newly created. This is aimed at regional, national or international associations or organizations that have an interest in animal health and wish to support the purposes of FESASS. Associate members are invited to the General Assembly, but do not have the right to vote. Previously, the General Assembly had to appoint half of the members of the Board every two years; in future, the members will propose two members and two alternate members every four years. The terms of office of the President, Vice-Presidents and Treasurer have also been extended to four years.

The previous top management was confirmed in office in the elections. Didier Delmotte (Arsia, Belgium) has thus been elected President of FESASS until 2027. First Vice President is Stéphane Jeanne (Secretary General of GDS France). In addition, four Vice Presidents were appointed with responsibility for specific topics:

Vice-President Animal Welfare: Hans-Peter Schons (ADT, Germany)

Vice-President Veterinary Medicines: João Palmeiro (UADS Alentejo, Portugal)

Vice-President Quality and Food Safety: Vito Amendolara (AIA, Italy)

Vice President Internal Cooperation: Kris van Malderen (GD, Netherlands)

Vice President Pig Health: Miguel A. Higuera (Anprogapor, Spain).

António M. Ferreira (Ucadesa, Portugal) remains Treasurer.

Alain C. Cantaloube has been appointed by the Board as Secretary-General, according to the new statutes. He is responsible for the daily management of FESASS.

The German members of the Board of Directors are ADT Managing Director H.-P. Schons and Ingrid Lorenz (Tiergesundheitsdienst Bayern). Alternate members are Peter Heimberg (TGD NRW) and Karsten Donat (TGD Thuringia).