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STATUTE

Balkan Geopolitics

This statute shall govern the non-profit association Balkan Geopolitics, established in accordance with Law No. 06/L-043 on the Freedom of Association in Non-Governmental Organizations in the Republic of Kosovo.

Article 1

Name, Form, and Address

  1. The organization shall be called Balkan Geopolitics.
  2. It may also be referred to as BGP.
  3. The organization is a non-profit association, as defined in Articles 16 and 20 of Law No. 06/L-043 on the Freedom of Association in Non-Governmental Organizations in the Republic of Kosovo.
  4. The organization shall not distribute any net income or profits to any person. Its assets, revenues, and profits shall be used exclusively to support the non-profit purposes of the organization and shall not be used to create personal benefits, either directly or indirectly, for any founder, director, employee, association member, or donor. However, reasonable compensation may be provided to these persons for work performed for the organization.
  5. Any transaction between the NGO and another affiliated organization, or between the NGO and its members, officials, board members, or employees, is prohibited unless the governing body determines, after reasonable investigation, that the transaction is fair, reasonable, and in the best interest of the NGO, and that the NGO could not have obtained a more favorable arrangement through reasonable efforts under the existing circumstances.
  6. The organization may engage in economic activities to support its non-profit activities, in accordance with Paragraph 1.4 of this Statute and Article 35 of Law No. 06/L-043 on the Freedom of Association in NGOs, provided that the income generated is used exclusively to achieve the objectives outlined in this statute.
  7. The organization’s headquarters is located at Mati I-Hy-11/42/Pristina.

 

 Article 2

Founders

  1. The Assembly of Members shall appoint an authorized representative of the NGO, who will officially represent the organization and receive all official documents on its behalf. This person is responsible for informing the relevant authorities of any changes to the organization’s registered information.

 

Article 3

Purpose

  1. The organization is established with the aim of:
    a. Strengthening investigative journalism capacities throughout the Balkans.
    b. Combating propaganda and fake news in Kosovo and beyond.
    c. Conducting research on security policies in the Balkans.
    d. Establishing a media portal.
  2. Fields of Activity:
    • Research and Analysis
    • Communication
    • Peacebuilding

 

Article 4

Membership

  1. Membership in the organization is open to anyone, regardless of race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other beliefs, national or social origin, community affiliation, property, economic or social status, sexual orientation, birth, disability, or any other personal status. Interested individuals must accept the Statute and Mission of the organization and commit to fulfilling its objectives.
  2. The Assembly of Members shall decide whether membership fees will be required. If membership fees are introduced, the Assembly will establish the rules and procedures for payment, including potential sanctions, such as membership termination for non-payment.
  3. Membership may also be terminated or suspended by the Assembly of Members in cases of:
    a. Non-compliance with the statute.
    b. Neglect of responsibilities.
    c. Failure to participate in activities.
    d. Disrespect, discrimination, or misconduct towards members and the public.

In cases of suspension, the duration shall be determined.

  1. The termination or suspension of membership shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present at the Assembly.

 

Article 5

Assembly of Members

  1. The Assembly of Members is the highest governing body of the organization, consisting of all members.
  2. It holds the highest responsibility for the organization’s policies and financial matters. It has the authority to:
    • Elect and dismiss officials in leadership positions.
    • Approve financial and activity reports.
    • Interpret and amend the Statute.
    • Decide on the merger, division, or dissolution of the organization. These responsibilities cannot be delegated.
  3. The Assembly also has the authority to:
    • Elect Board Members.
    • Approve financial reports.
  4. The Assembly may delegate some responsibilities to the Board or employees, except those that cannot be delegated according to Article 31 of Law No. 06/L-043 and Article 5, Paragraph 2 of this Statute.

 

Article 6

Meetings of the Assembly of Members

  1. The General Annual Meeting (GAM) shall be held at least once a year to review and approve reports on financial assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and programs from the previous year, as well as the financial and activity plan for the next year.
  2. An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) may be convened at any time if requested by at least half of the members or by other governing bodies. The request must be submitted to the Chair of the Assembly, who will notify all members.
  3. Written notice of the GAM or EGM, including the date, location, and agenda, shall be distributed at least seven days before the meeting.
  4. A quorum requires the presence of more than half of the members. If the quorum is not met, the meeting will be rescheduled, and a new notice will be sent.
  5. Each member has one vote in the Assembly.
  6. Decisions are made by a majority vote of the members present.
  7. Members with direct or indirect economic interests in a matter may not participate in discussions or decisions regarding that matter.

 

Article 7

Interim Governing Body (Board)

  1. The Board shall always act in accordance with the organization’s purpose.
  2. Responsibilities of the Board include:
    • Proposing the authorized representative of the organization.
    • Advising and monitoring the implementation of the organization’s goals and activities.
    • Assisting with fundraising (subject to approval by the Assembly).
  3. The Board is elected by the Assembly through an individual majority vote.
  4. The Board shall have at least three members, one of whom shall be elected as Chairperson.
  5. Board members may be re-elected for consecutive terms.
  6. Board members may be removed before their term ends by a majority vote of the Assembly.
  7. A Board member’s term ends in cases of:
    • Death
    • Resignation
    • Dismissal by the Assembly
  8. If a Board member’s term ends prematurely, the Assembly shall elect a successor.
  9. Decisions are made by majority vote of the members present.

 

Article 8

Officials and Employees

  1. The organization may hire employees to manage daily operations.
  2. Employees shall be hired in accordance with Kosovo’s Labor Law.

 

Article 9

Dissolution of the Organization

  1. The organization may be dissolved by a majority vote of the Assembly.
  2. Upon dissolution, the Assembly shall designate a non-governmental organization in Kosovo with similar objectives to inherit the remaining assets.

 

Article 10

Amendments to the Statute

  1. This Statute may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the members present in the Assembly.

 

Article 11

Reporting and Financial Year

  1. The Board and appointed officials shall present annual reports to the Assembly.
  2. The financial year shall match the calendar year.

Approved in Pristina on 27.10.2020.   

 

Board of Directors

  1. Lindita Dinosha – Board Chair
  2. Ylber Maxhuni – Board Member
  3. Anita Tafa – Board Member