Statutes

The non-profit association for which these statutes are written up was founded on 01.07.2024. Founding members of the European Left as member organizations were:

• Communist Party of Austria
• Party of Democratic Socialism, Czech Republic
• Estonian Social-Democratic Labour Party, French Communist Party, France
• Party of Democratic Socialism, Germany
• Coalition of the Left, the Progress and the Movements – Synaspismos, Greece
• Workers-Party, Hungary
• Communist Refoundation Party, Italy
• Socialist Alliance Party, Romania
• Communist Refoundation, San Marino
• Communist Party of Slovakia Communist Party of Spain
• United Alternative Left of Catalonia, Spain
• United Left, Spain
• Swiss Party of Labour, Switzerland.

The association was registered under legal person number 866441216. The undersigned, representing the Association, and in accordance with the decision of the 8^th Congress held in Brussels (17-18 April 2026), presents the amendment of the Statute as follows:

STATUTES of the party of european left

(Full text of the Statute, as it was adopted at the Founding Congress of the European Left in Rome, May 9, 2004, with the amendments approved by the 2nd Congress in Prague, November 25, 2007, by the 3rd Congress in Paris, December 5, 2010, by the 4th Congress in Madrid, December 14, 2013, by the 5th Congress in Berlin, December 18, 2016, by the General Assembly meeting in Brussels, June 24, 2017, by the General Assembly meeting in Brussels, September 30, 2018 and by the 6th Congress in Benalmadena/Spain, December 14, 2019, General Assembly meeting in Brussels, October 11, 2020, General Assembly meeting, October 9, 2021, 7th Congress in Vienna, December 10, 2022, by the General Assembly held in Vienna, June 24, 2023, by the General Assembly held in Ljubljana, February 24, 2024, by the General Assembly held in Brussels, April 26, 2025, and by the 8^th Congress held in Brussels, April 17-18, 2026),

1. General Provisions, Name, Seat and Term

Article 1 (Preamble)

The “Party of the European Left”, abbreviated here to “European Left” (EL), is a flexible, decentralized association of independent and sovereign European left-wing parties and political organizations which works on the basis of consensus. In no situation are the non-EU members or organizations allowed to impose a course of action against, or block, EU citizens or members. We unite democratic parties of the alternative and progressive Left on the European continent that strive for the consistent transformation of today’s social relationships into a peaceful and socially just society on the basis of the diversity of our situations, our histories and our common values.

Therefore, we refer to the values and traditions of the socialist, communist and labor movement, of feminism, the feminist movement and gender equality, of the environmental movement and sustainable development, of peace and international solidarity, of human rights, humanism and antifascism, of progressive and liberal thinking, both nationally and internationally. We work together in the tradition of the struggles against capitalist exploitation, ecological destruction, political oppression and criminal wars, against fascism and dictatorship, in resistance to patriarchal domination and discrimination against “others”.

We defend this legacy of our movement which inspired and contributed to securing the social certainties of millions of people. We keep the memory of these struggles alive including the sacrifices and the sufferings in the course of these struggles. We do this in unreserved disputation with undemocratic, Stalinist practices and crimes, which were in absolute contradiction to socialist and communist ideals.

The political and economic developments in the capitalist societies at the beginning of the 21st century create the necessity and the possibility for parties of the Left, for democratic movements and alternative social forces, when working out and realizing social alternatives not only to take into account all aspects of globalization and internationalization. Europe as a new space for the integration of more and more countries in East and West, in North and South is both an opportunity and a challenge to regain the political initiative for Left forces. We want and have to most closely combine our work on this political level with the social activities of members and sympathizers of the party organizations within the communities, regions and nation states.

We are doing it in sharp rejection of and developing an alternative to capitalism and to the financial hegemonic groups with its worldwide attempts of pushing through neo-liberal policies into the daily life of the peoples by the so-called political and economic elites.

And we want and have to do so, being not a force free of contradictions, having differing views on many issues. But we are united in resisting political incapacitation and taking part in common struggles for an alternative that has freedom, equality, justice and solidarity as its goals.

With this international approach we declare:

The Left is willing to take on responsibility in Europe and the world for the shaping of our societies, to work out political alternatives, to promote them among the public and to win the required majorities.

Liberal internationalization and globalization are no phenomena of nature but the result of political developments and decisions. Therefore, we stand consequently against the neo-liberal policy of dealing with these challenges, against war and militarization. Just now courage and confidence must be given to the people that the world is not a commodity, that a new world of peace, democracy, sustainability and solidarity is possible.

Article 2 (Name, seat and logo)

The non-profit organization uses the name “Party of the European Left”, or in its abbreviated form “European Left” (EL). The name is always preceded or followed by the wording „European

Political Party“ or acronym „EUPP“, indicating that it is founded in conformity with the Belgian law (“Loi sur les associations sans but lucrative, les associations internationales sans but lucrative et les fondations”; hereinafter referred to as “the Law” or “the Belgian law”) and that it does not pursue any profit goals. The EL follows its objectives, executes its activities and is organized and financed in conformity to the conditions laid out in the regulation (EU, EURATOM) 2025/2445 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the statute and financing of European political parties. The party of the EL gets an official name in each of the official languages of the European Union as well as in the official languages of the states where EL member parties exist.

The names are:

• “Partit de L ‘Esquerra Europea” or “Esquerra Europea” or “EE” in Catalonian,
• “Europako Ezkerraren Alderdia” or “Europako Ezkerra” or “EE” in Basque language
• “Партыя Eўрaпейскіх лeвых” or “Eўрaпейскія лeвыя” or “EЛ” in Belarusian language,
• “Европейската лява партия” or ” Европейската левица” or “ЕЛ” in Bulgarian language,
• “Strana evropské levice” or “Evropská levice” or “EL” in Czech,
• “Europæisk Venstreparti” or “Europæisk Venstre” or “EV” in Danish language,
• “Party of the European Left” or “European Left” or “EL” in English
• “Euroopa Vasakpartei” or “Euroopa Vasak” or “EV” in Estonian,
• “Euroopan vasemmistopuolue” or “Euroopan vasemmisto” or “EV” in Finnish language,
• “Europese Linkspartij” or “Europees Links” or “EL” in Flemish language,
• “Parti de la Gauche Européenne” or “Gauche Européenne” or “GE” in French,
• “Partei der Europäischen Linken” or “Europäische Linke” or “EL” in German,
• “Κόμμα της Ευρωπαικής Αριστεράς” or “Ευρωπαϊκή Αριστερά” or “EA” in Greek,
• “Partei vun der Europäescher Lénk” or “Europäesch Lénk” or “EL” in Luxembourgish,
• “Európai Baloldali Párt” or “Európai Bal” or “EB” in Hungarian,
• “Partito della Sinistra Europea” or “Sinistra Europea” or “SE” in Italian
• “Partido da Esquerda Europeia” or “Esquerda Europeia” or “EE” in Portuguese,
• “Partidul Stîngii Europene” or “Stînga Europeana” or “SE” in Romanian,
• “Európska ľavicová strana” or “Európska ľavica” or “EĽ” in Slovakian,
• “Stranka evropske levice” or “Evropska levica” or “EL” in Slovenian language,
• “Partido de la Izquierda Europea” or “Izquierda Europea” or “IE” in Spanish,
• “Europeiska vänsterpartiet” or “Europeiska vänstern” or “EV” in Swedish language,
• “Partidul Stîngii Europene” or “Stînga Europeana” or “SE” in Moldovan respectively in Romanian languages,
• “Avrupa Sol Partisi” or “Avrupa Sol” or “ASP” in Turkish language.

European Left’s official logo looks as follows in English and French:

It has versions in the different above-mentioned languages of EL parties with the same graphic characteristics.

The juridical seat of the EL is in 1000 Brussels, the head-office is located in Square de Meeûs, 25, in the Brussels judicial region, and might be moved to another place in Belgium after decision by the Executive board.

Article 3 (Term)

The association is created for an undetermined term.

2. aims

Article 4

The EL aims to:

• contribute to common political action of the democratic and alternative Left in EU member states as well as on the European level;
  • promote the social, emancipatory, ecological, peace-loving as well as democratic and progressive thinking and acting of the parties, their members and sympathizers, and therefore to reinforce the parties’ actions to develop emancipatory, democratic, peace, social, ecological and sustainable policies which are essential to transform the societies and to overcome today’s capitalism;
• • fully support gender equality in all areas of daily life. Feminism, gender-mainstreaming and gender-democracy are basic principles for the functioning and development of the EL;
• • use democratic forms to struggle for overcoming contemporary capitalist relations;
• • consolidate the cooperation of the parties and political organizations at all levels;
• • promote the confrontation of their analyses and the co-ordination of their orientations at the European level;
• • cooperate with other political organizations at European level pursuing similar targets;
• • promote a “European public relations work” that actively supports the development of a European identity according to our values and aims;
• • co-operate in the preparation of the European elections and in referenda in the European scale, in full compliance with limitations laid down in the Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2025/2445 of the European Parliament and of the Council, in particular with the articles 26 and 27 (hereinafter called “Regulation No 2025/2445”);
• • initiate, prepare and support Europe-wide initiatives of the EL and its parties – together with other parties, party-networks and NGOs (acting in full compliance with the above-mentioned Regulation 2025/2445);
• all decisions concerning choices and attitudes of EL member parties or political organizations in their own countries remain strictly under the sovereignty of national parties.

3. membership

Article 5

Founding members of the EL are socialist, communist, red-green and other democratic left parties of the member states and associated states of the European Union (EU) who are working together and establishing various forms of cooperation at all levels of political activity in Europe based on the agreements, basic principles and political aims laid down in its political program (manifesto). Agreement on the European Left’s Statutes is a prerequisite for membership in the Party of the European Left.

Membership to the EL is open to any left party and political organization in Europe that agrees with the aims and principles of the political program (manifesto) and accepts these statutes. Their membership is granted by decision of the members.

The Party of European Left shall grant Associated Member status to organizations outside the European Union, as defined in Article 7a.

Other parties and political organizations may apply for observer status or might be invited by the members to become observers to the EL.

Number of member parties is unlimited, but the minimum number of full members is three. Should the number fall below this threshold, the Association is obliged to start procedures for its dissolution.

Article 6

The European Left consists of:

• Member parties and political organizations with full rights;
• Associated member parties
• Observer parties or political organizations;
• Individual members;
• EL partners.

Article 6 (List of actual members)

The member parties of European Left:

• Bulgarian Left, Bulgaria,
• Communist Party of Austria,
• Communist Party of Finland,
• Communist Party of Spain,
• Communist Refoundation Party, Italy,
• déi Lénk, Luxemburg,
• Die LINKE, Germany,
• Framtidens Vänster (Future Left), Sweden
• French Communist Party,
• Gauche Républicaine et Socialiste, France
• Left (Levica), Slovenia,
• Levice, Czech Republic,
• New Left (Nea Aristera), Greece,
• Radnička fronta, Croatia,
• Romanian Socialist Party,
• SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance, Greece,
• United Alternative Left of Catalonia, Spain,
• United Left, Spain,
• Workers-Party 2006, Hungary,
• Workers Party of Belgium (PTB-PVDA).

The associated member parties of European Left are:

• Left Unity, United Kingdom,
• Party of Communists of Republic of Moldova,
• Sol Parti, Turkey,
• Swiss Party of Labour, Switzerland.

The observer parties of the European Left are:

• AKEL, Cyprus,
• The Belarusian Party of the left Fair World, Belarus
• Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia, Czech Republic,
• Communist Party of Slovakia,
• Demain, Belgium,
• New Cyprus Party, Cyprus,
• Sortu, Basque Country,
• United Cyprus Party, Cyprus.

EL- Partners are:

• Democratic Left, Scotland,
• Der Wandel, Austria,
• Ensemble, France,
• Links, Vienna, Austria,
• Marxistische Linke, Germany,
• République et Socialisme, France,
• Socialists for Independence, Scotland,
• Solidarnost,Serbia,
• Táncsics – Radikális Balpárt, Hungary,
• Yes Solidarity for Hungary Movement.

Article 7 (New members, admission and suspension)

(1)

A member party or political organization of the EL with full rights and duties can become any left party or political organization that is represented in the European Parliament, or in the National parliaments or in the Parliaments of regions resp. in regional assemblies within the EU member- states.

In EU member states with no regional level, it will be sufficient for a party or political organization to have representatives on the municipal level, if a municipal parliament represents at least 20 percent of the country’s population. Parties or political organizations, coming from EU member states can become members of the European Left with full rights, irrespectively if they have parliamentary representation on different levels.

(2)

Membership in the EL does not prohibit membership in other associations, including outside the European Union, with the exception of membership in other European Political Parties (EUPP), if their actions are not contrary to the aims and principles of the EL. The structure of the EL allows political organizations which are politically close to the EL to take part in its activities in a flexible manner. If desirable for both sides, EL can establish a cooperation protocol for this purpose, and the respective organizations are entitled the designation “EL partner”. The main criterion here is the political consent with the basic positions of the EL; the decision-making process inside the EL on this issue follows the rules for decision about membership issues.

(3)

Applications for membership in the EL are discussed and decided by the Executive Board and ratified by the General Assembly on suggestion of the Executive board on the basis of the application, the rules and political program presented by the applicant.

(4)

The temporary/provisional suspension from participation in activities, or the cancellation of membership in the EL in case a member party or political organization seriously violates statutes and political aims, is carried out through the same procedures as the admittance.

(5)

Applications for observer status are decided in the same way, except for the need for ratification. Observer parties or political organizations take part in the meetings to which they are invited, as consultants. They can make proposals to the Executive Board for examination and decision-making.

(6)

Member parties or political organizations that want to leave the EL have to declare this officially; the same procedure applies to observers and individual members.

Article 7a (Associated Members)

The Party shall grant Associated Member status to political parties or political organizations established outside the European Union, complying with the criteria of Articles 2 (2) and (5) of the EP Regulation 2025/2445, as part of its commitment to international cooperation and solidarity.

Associated Members shall participate actively in the political life, deliberations and activities of the Party and may exercise voting rights in political resolutions and consultative matters, as defined by the Statutes.

In accordance with the Party’s responsibilities under European Union law, decision-making authority concerning statutory amendments, governance structures, leadership elections, Union policy, EU funding and financial compliance shall remain with Member Parties established within the European Union.

These provisions reflect the shared responsibility of all members to ensure compliance with EU law, as laid out in the EP Regulation 2025/2445 articles 4(3), 6(1)(k) as well as 25(6),while safeguarding the Party’s democratic integrity and preventing undue external influence.

Article 8 (Individual members)

The EL offers the opportunity of individual membership as a contribution to its future development. In countries where full member parties or political organizations exist EL full-right member parties or political organizations shall establish individual membership within their own structures and define the procedures governing such membership. These procedures shall ensure the participation of individual members in EL activities and campaigns including the right to participate in EL working groups and networks. The EL full member parties or political organizations shall determine the model applied in their country.

Citizens of European countries in which no EL full-right member party or political organization exists may apply for individual membership directly. Individual members in such countries may join or establish a national group. A national group consisting of at least ten (10) members may form an EL-affiliated national group and shall annually elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and, where necessary, a Treasurer, who shall be responsible for liaison with the EL. Upon compliance with the Statutes and the EL Programme, such groups may be granted observer status within the EL. Individual members may participate in the Congress as observers, or as delegates designated by a member party or elected by a national group, in accordance with the model applied in their country. Individual members from non-EU European countries who participate without being designated by a member party shall not have voting rights in the Congress. Delegates representing individual members may submit proposals concerning the EL Programme, decisions or declarations to the Congress or, outside the Congress, to the Executive Board. The EL shall provide online mechanisms enabling individual members to participate in the preparation and discussion of proposals.

Article 9 (Political foundation)

The political foundation on European level Transform!Europe is affiliated to the EL.

Article 10 (Rights and duties of the members, associated members and observer parties)

The full members (Member Parties) exercise the rights assigned by law, namely:

• the right to access the decisions taken by the General Assembly, by the Executive Board and by all other organs of the EL, the accounting records and the list of members;
• the right to convene the extraordinary General Assembly on condition that at least one-fifth of members request this;
• the right to propose an item on the agenda on condition that the proposal is signed by a number of members equal at least to one twentieth;
• the right to participate in the General Assembly and in the Congress or to be represented there;
• the right to vote at the General Assembly and in the Congress;
• the right to a specific procedure in the case of expulsion;
• the right to request dissolution or liquidation of the Association should it seriously contravene its statutes or the law or public order;
• the right to call for an act of the Association to be invalidated;
• the right to request the court of first instance to decide the mandate of the liquidators;
• the right to initiate proceedings before a court of first instance against the decisions of the liquidators in relation to the use of assets insofar as the statutes so allow;
• the right to withdraw from the Association.
• In addition, full members have the following rights:
• right of participation in the meetings and voting about all issues;
• right of initiative in proposing the documents and positions of the EL Party;
• right of proposing common activities of the Party.

The Associated Members shall enjoy the same rights as full members, except as limited below in accordance with the Party’s obligations under applicable European Union law and the Regulation governing European political parties and foundations.

They shall not exercise voting rights in decisions concerning:

• amendments to the Statutes;
• the election, dismissal or composition of the governing bodies of the Party;
• decisions directly related to compliance with European Union law or EU funding;
• approval of budgets financed as a whole or in part by the European Union;
• financial oversight, liability or regulatory compliance matters under European Union law.

The Observer Parties and Individual Members have the same rights except for the right of voting. The same applies to EL Partners.

The Associated Members are distinct from Observer Parties and shall exercise voting rights as provided above.

The Member Parties have the following duties:

• duty to observe the valid documents (Statute, programmatic documents) of the EL Party;
• duty of paying Membership fees;
• duty to be in contact with the leading organs of the Party;
• duty to inform the Executive Board or the General Assembly of any official name change and to provide proof of legal succession and continued membership intention.

Associated Members have the same duties as Member Parties with the exception of paying membership fees, which is prohibited under EP Regulation 2025/2445 article 25(6), (9) and (10).

The Observer Parties and Individual Members have the same duties, except for the duty to pay the Membership fee.

4. the organs of the el and the decision-making process

Article 11

The European Left has the following organs:

• the Congress;
  • the General Assembly;
• • the Council of Chairpersons;
• • the Executive board;
• • the Presidency;
• the Political Secretariat.

MODE OF WORK

Article 12

The Chairperson/Co-Chairpersons and Vice-chairpersons are forming together with the Executive Board and the Political Secretariat the collective leadership of the Party of the European Left.

The work of the EL organs has to be performed openly and transparently, all political documents adopted are to be published. The EL documents and materials are supplied to all member parties and political organizations. Personal data can only be made public when the Belgian law and/or regulations by the European or Belgian authorities stipulate to do so.

For the concrete mode of work of all bodies as well as regulations concerning the decision- making process rules of procedures have to be worked out and to be adopted by these organs on proposal of the Council of chairpersons or Executive board.

When the external conditions do not allow for meetings in person (travel or meeting restrictions by the national governments or EU organs), meetings of all El bodies might, based on the decision of the Secretariat, be arranged in electronic form with the necessary adjustments of the process rules mentioned above.

The European Left shall ensure gender equality and balanced representation of all genders in its political and organizational structures. Governing bodies shall aim at parity, ensuring that no gender is represented by less than 40%, and striving towards full parity. Non-binary persons shall be fully recognized and included in all representation principles. Being a pluralistic association, proceedings of the EL have to be chosen that guarantee the rights of different sensitivities.

To promote the active participation of women and underrepresented genders, the European Left shall:

• apply parity principles in internal elections and candidate nominations where possible;
• ensure equal access to political responsibilities, speaking time and resources;
• support political training and leadership development initiatives;
• allocate appropriate organizational means to advance gender equality.

The European Left shall monitor gender representation and implementation of this Article. An annual report on gender representation in governing bodies and political activities shall be presented to the Executive Board and Congress.
Where significant imbalance persists, appropriate corrective measures shall be adopted.

Article 13

The EL is striving to cooperate closely with parliamentary groups of the Left in other European bodies and networks.

The EL will establish forms of cooperation with youth organizations of the European Left – both representing national or regional organizations as well as European structures and other international networks.

THE CONGRESS

Article 14

The Congress has all powers of the General Assembly, in addition to that it:

• elects one or two EL Chairperson/Co-Chairpersons and two or more Vice-chairpersons on the basis of a proposal by the Executive Board following a rotation principle, representing the pluralist character of the EL, and respecting gender equality;
  • elects the treasurer on the basis of a proposal by the Executive board;
  • elects the Executive board consisting of two members of each party in accordance to the nomination by each respective member party;
  • The Executive Board is as decision-making body part of the collective EL Governance through thematic and operative responsibilities. Member parties may change their representatives on the Executive Board by official notification;
  • Elects the Political Secretariat;
  • elects at least three and odd auditors;
• establishes the collective leadership of the European Left, composed of the above-mentioned bodies;
• Defines the core political principles governing the EL structures, including:
  1. collective leadership as the governing model;
  2. a clear and politically meaningful division of responsibilities;
  3. the functioning of the Vice-Chairpersons and members of the Political Secretariat as a collective body;
  4. representation of each member party within the collective leadership;
  5. • equal political weight of all members;
  6. • the role of the Executive Board (EL ExB) as the decision-taking body;
  7. gender parity as a political imperative and legal obligation across all leadership structures.

Article 15

The Congress shall hold at least one session every three calendar years. However, when external conditions (travel restrictions, limitations on the size of in-person meetings) make it impossible to hold the Congress, the General Assembly might decide to extend this period by one year.

It is convened by the Executive Board, which may also decide to convene an extraordinary congress. In the year when the Congress is convened, it also fulfils the duties of the General Assembly.

The Congress takes place alternately in different member states of the European Union or in European states where EL member parties or political organizations exist.

Before each Congress, a Credential Committee shall be established to verify the actual status of all member parties in accordance with the criteria set by the European Parliament.

A Congress can be convened at the request of at least 25% of its delegates.

Article 16

The Congress consists of:

• Up to 12 delegates of each Member party, who have the voting rights. The key for the number of delegates may be revised by the Executive Board before convening a Congress.
  The delegates are elected by their parties in accordance with gender equality, i.e., with at least 50% women.
• Parties do not have to use the full number of delegates.

The Congress can only take decisions if at least half of the members are present or represented; its decisions are taken by the majority of delegates present at its session. Delegates, representing the Member Parties, have full voting rights, each delegate one vote. The proposals it decides upon must be based on the principle of consensus as stipulated in Article 1 (preamble) of this Statute.

All other participants are observers without the right to vote: i.e.:

• Representatives of the observer parties resp. organizations;
• Members of the Executive board, not being delegates;
• Invitees and guests, including members of the Parliamentarian groups of Left parties in the European Parliament, the National Parliaments or in other European bodies resp. networks.

For the avoidance of doubt, Non-EU Associated Members shall not be counted among the delegates with voting rights in the Congress as defined in this Article. They may participate in the Congress without voting rights.

Article 17

In addition, the Executive board is permitted to invite representatives of other parties or organizations to the Congress.

THE COUNCIL OF CHAIRPERSONS

Article 18

The Council of Chairpersons shall meet at least once annually, normally alongside the General Assembly or the Congress, but may be convened at other times if required.

Members are:

• the Chairpersons of all member parties
• the Chairperson/Co-Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson/s of EL

Role of Member Parties‘ Chairpersons:

• The Chairpersons of all member parties shall discuss and recommend political themes and orientations for the strategic work of the EL and the long-term preparatory work ahead European elections. These contributions shall be passed to the Executive Board and the Congress
• The EL Co-Chairs are equally participating in these meetings; and the Political Secretariat shall be invited.

The Council of Chairpersons shall propose to invite other representatives of EL bodies or from EL member parties resp. political organizations to participate in its meeting.

Article 19

The Council of Chairpersons adopts resolutions and recommendations that are passed to the Executive board and the Congress.

The decisions of the Council of Chairpersons are adopted by majority of the members present; it can only take decisions if at least half of the members are present or represented.

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Article 20

The Executive board consists of:

• the Chairpersons/Co-Chairpersons and Vice-chairpersons and the other members of the Political secretariat
• the Treasurer
• further members, elected by the Congress on the basis of two representatives per member party that fulfil their membership fee obligations, ensuring gender balance.

Article 21

Executive board meetings take place at least two times in person a year. It may – using Hybrid and online format – be convened on proposal of the collective leadership more often to strengthen the political coherence for the joint acting of the European Left and increasing the involvement of EL Member and Observer parties in the European Left activities and campaigns.

The convening of a meeting of the Executive board can also be asked for by a member party or political organization.

It can only take decisions if the majority of members are present or represented. Its decisions are taken by majority of the members present or represented, with the chairperson presiding over the meeting or his/her replacement having the casting vote, should the vote be tied.

The Executive Board meets according to the principle of openness and transparency.

Article 22

The Executive board carries out the decisions on the basis and orientations of the Congress and General Assembly and in accordance with the Council of Chairpersons.

The Executive board is responsible for organizing the daily work of the EL. It is responsible for the creation, composition and functioning of the Political Secretariat. The Executive board has to adopt the rules of its own work, as well as the rules of the work of the Secretariat.

The Executive Board ensures implementation of a Protocol for the Prevention and Response to Harassment and Discrimination which is adopted by the Congress and constitutes a binding annex to Statutes. It may be amended by the Congress or the General Assembly in accordance with the Statutes.

The Executive Board determines the political guidelines of the EL between the General Assembly meetings. It proposes, plans and convenes political initiatives for the EL, convenes conferences or thematic meetings. It sets up permanent or ad-hoc working groups, whose responsible staff are chosen by, and whose tasks are fixed by the Congress.

It decides upon membership applications, subject to ratification by the General Assembly. In cases of enlargement conflicts, it shall ensure transparent admission criteria and prior consultation when an applicant comes from a country already represented in the EL.

It draws up specific procedure for the election of the candidate for the lead candidate for the European Commission.

The Executive board convenes the Congress and General Assembly meetings, fixes the proposals for timetable and venue, and suggests the standing orders and agenda.

The Executive board is also authorized to name ad-hoc working groups etc. on special political issues and questions in accordance with the plan of action established by the Congress in accordance with the Council of Chairpersons.

The Executive board is responsible for the content development of the EL and thus also for the development of the EL working groups. Each working group must be supervised by a board member. Reports on the work of the working groups are submitted annually at the General Assembly.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Article 23

The General Assembly is composed by the members of the Executive board and by the members of the Council of Chairpersons. When convening the General Assembly, the Executive board can decide to include more delegates from the Member Parties, but the principle of equal representation of all parties should be respected.

In matters falling within the limitations applicable under Article 10 concerning Non-EU Associated Members, only votes cast by Member Parties established within the European Union shall be counted for decisions taken by the General Assembly. Non-EU Associated Members may be present and participate in deliberations but shall not exercise voting rights in such matters.

Article 24

The General Assembly meets once a year, with the exception of the years when the Congress is convened; in these years the Congress meeting replaces the General Assembly meeting.

The General Assembly is convened by the decision of the Executive Board, by the Chairperson/Co-Chairpersons or his/her/their replacement, at least 60 days before the date of the meeting unless in case of emergency. In the latter case, the period must be at least 30 days. Invitations must be sent by e-mail or by regular post and must include the agenda, as well as the day, time, and place of the meeting.

It can also be convened by a request addressed in writing to the chairperson/s by at least one fifth of the members.

Any member of the General Assembly unable to attend can be represented at its meeting by another member from the same Member Party, to whom s/he must give written authority to act (letter, fax or email). The authorized representative may not hold more than two authorizations valid for the same general assembly meeting.

The General Assembly may only deliberate an issue if half the members are present or represented.

Article 25

The authority of the General Assembly is determined by law.

The proposals it decides upon must be based on the principle of consensus as stipulated in Article 1 (preamble) of this Statute.

It decides the following by majority:

• modification of the statutes;
  • nomination or removal of Presidency or its members;
• • nomination or removal of auditors and determining their allowance on condition that the statutes allow;
• • approval of the budget and the accounts;
• • dissolution of the Association;
• • the admission of new members and exclusion of a member
• • transformation of the Association into an association with a social aim;

The General Assembly:

• determines the political guidelines of the EL between the Congresses and adapts decisions of the Congress to the current political situation;
  • adopts the annual agenda of the EL; the General Assembly meets annually and will therefore, whenever possible, carry out an evaluation of the work done by all the structures of the Party of the European Left and plan the work of the following year.
• • determines political platform and strategy of the EL for the elections to the European Parliament;
• • comments on the report of activities for the preceded period and on the program for further work presented by the Executive board;
• proposes discussions of and/or within member parties or political organizations on political developments or special questions.

Changes of these statutes and the Manifesto are decided by the Congress after a thorough debate on the issue within each member party. If, due to changes in European legislation, a conflict arises between this Statute and the valid European or national regulations in the time between two Congresses, the General Assembly is entitled to adopt, on the basis of proposals made by the Executive board, provisional changes to the Statute which will bring it to correspondence with the European regulations. These changes are considered temporary, and their validity or rejection would be decided by the next EL Congress.

THE PRESIDENCY

Article 26

The Presidency consists of the Chairperson/Co-Chairpersons, Vice-chairperson(s) and the Treasurer. It fulfills the role of “conseil d´administration” according to the Belgian law, representing the EL legally, financially and administratively.

Together with the Executive Board and Members of the Political Secretariat, they form a collective leadership structure by ensuring the political decision-making process and organizing political measures, thematic tasks, and strategies for a transparent, responsible, and cooperative mode of work. The Co-Chairs and the Treasurer fulfill the role of „conseil d’administration“ according to Belgian law, representing the EL legally, financially and administratively.

The Presidency and Political secretariat members are appointed by the Congress for a period of three years and can be dismissed by the General Assembly at any time.

If the General Assembly has not replaced the Presidency at the end of their mandate, they shall continue to exercise their mandate while awaiting the decision of the General Assembly.

Their mandate only expires in the case of death, resignation or dismissal.

If a position is vacant, a member can be appointed provisionally by the General Assembly. In that case the member will carry out the mandate of the member s/he is replacing. Outgoing members are re-eligible.

If both the Co-Chairpersons are unable to attend, their functions shall be carried out by the vice-chairperson or the oldest member of thePolitical Secretariat present.

The Presidency shall meet at the instance of the Chairperson/s or of two members of the Presidency.

It may make a decision only if a majority of its members are present or represented. Its decisions are taken by the majority of the members present or represented; should the vote be tied, the Chairperson presiding over the meeting at that moment has the casting vote.

Article 27

The Chairperson/Co-Chairpersons (one or two) are elected by the Congress. The candidates for the EL Co-Chairs, Vice-Chairs and Members of the Political Secretariat are proposed for election at the next Congress, in accordance with Articles 14 and 18, by a working group.

This working group is composed of one (1) representative nominated by each Member Party and operates under the guidance of the outgoing Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs.  

On a proposal the Congress elects one or more Vice-chairpersons on a gender quota basis, following a rotation principle and respecting the pluralist Left character of the EL.

Article 28

In case the post of the one Chairperson or both Co-Chairpersons becomes vacant before the next ordinary Congress, the Executive Board is entitled to name a Chairperson or Co-Chairpersons ad interim until the next General Assembly resp. Congress.

Article 29

The Chairperson/Co-Chairpersons  represent/s the EL in the public sphere in the contacts with representatives of organizations and institutions, including the EU authorities, Trade Unions, non-governmental organizations and associations:

The Vice-chairpersons and the Members of the Political Secretariat support the EL Co-Chairpersons in fulfilling their duties.

The Chairperson/Co-Chairpersons coordinates the cooperation between the left group in the European Parliament and EL and will be supported in that effort by Political Secretariat.

The Chairperson/Co-Chairpersons keep/s regular direct contact with the chairpersons and executive boards of the EL parties.

THE POLITICAL SECRETARIAT

Article 30

The Political Secretariat carries out the decisions of the EL organs. It is led by a coordinator. It consists of the members elected on the basis of a proposal by the Council of Chairpersons by the Executive board (with respect to gender equality).  It is part of the collective governance of the EL. It carries out the decisions of the General Assembly and the EL Executive Board and ensures cross-team coordination and support within the Political Secretariat and with the Executive Board. The members of the Political Secretariat are together with the Vice-Chairpersons elected by the Congress according to the candidacy nominations by each Member Party, with the obligatory respect to gender equality. 

The Political Secretariat fulfils the duties of a CEO, being tasked with the daily management of the European Party, including the authority to take the decisions needed for this task.

This includes practicing team-based political working methods, the takeover of specified key political portfolios and responsibilities: cross-team coordination, cooperation with 2-3 EL Executive Board members on strategic political portfolios, organizational Portfolios and cross-functional responsibilities.

The specific distribution of labor and responsibilities is to be set up in this respect:

• supporting the Presidency;
• running the regular business and preparing the meetings of the Executive board;
• executing the decisions and respective orders of the Executive board;
• maintaining close relationships with the whole prime executives of the member policies;
• maintaining contacts with the member and observer parties and political organizations;
• supporting the EL working groups;
• maintaining relations with the media in cooperation with the Presidency;
• maintaining the contact of the EL with the Parliamentarian Groups in which there will be deputies of Left parties in the EP and other European /international institutions etc.;
• running the archives;
• securing transparency of all political work;
• guiding the work of the EL office;
• reporting on its work to each Executive board meeting.

Communication strategy and daily political operability in the Collective Leadership fall directly under the responsibility of the Chairperson/Co-Chairpersons. Communication and visibility of the European Left is a common task.

5. the finances of the el

Article 31

The EL is financing itself with membership fees, contributions and public subsidies. The financing is based on transparency, in particular in terms of bookkeeping, accounts and donations, privacy and protection of personal data, in accordance with Regulation No 2025/2245 of the European Parliament and the Council, in particular their articles 28 and 40.

The Treasurer prepares the annual budget, which must be approved by the General Assembly after its adoption at the meeting of treasurers of the member parties. The budget has to be prepared and approved in accordance with the regulations and rules regarding the funding of the political parties on European level. The Treasurer also prepares the annual accounts, which are then verified by the group of elected internal auditors. The annual accounts are then approved by the General Assembly.

The (annual) membership fee is set by the general assembly. The membership fee may not be less than one (1) euro per year and shall not exceed the maximum values set out in Regulation (EU) 2025/2245 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Article 20 (25) (9). Financial Conditions must be laid down in a financial regulation.

6. dissolution of the el

Article 32

The dissolution of the EL requires a decision of the General Assembly.

The General Assembly can only pronounce dissolution in the same circumstances as those for modification of the statutes of the Association. The General Assembly which pronounces the dissolution of the Association shall appoint liquidators and shall determine their authority. After the discharge of any debts, the assets must be transferred to an association, institute, or foundation that pursues the same goal as this association, by decision of the general assembly.

Article 33

Anything not explicitly provided for in these statutes shall be regulated by Belgian law (“Loi sur les associations sans but lucrative, les associations internationaux sans but lucratif et les

fondations”), and by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2025/2445 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the register and funding of European political parties and European political foundations.

Article 34

These statutes have been drawn up in French and English. Should there be any discrepancy between the two linguistic versions, the English version shall prevail.

ANNEX TO THE EUROPEAN LEFT STATUTES:

PROTOCOL FOR THE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE TO HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION

Article 1 – Legal Basis and Purpose

1. This Protocol constitutes an integral and binding annex to the European Left Statutes.
2. The purpose of this Protocol is to prevent, identify and address sexual harassment, harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex characteristics, family diversity, digital harassment and any other discriminatory conduct within EL.
3. EL adopts a policy of zero tolerance towards such conduct.

Article 2 – Scope of Application

1. This Protocol applies to all EL bodies, structures, activities, events and digital spaces.
2. It is binding on: a) Members, elected representatives and office-holders of EL; b) Supporters, activists, collaborators and any person participating in EL activities.

Article 3 – Objectives

This Protocol aims to:

1. Guarantee safe, respectful and inclusive political environments;
2. Prevent harassment and discrimination through training and awareness;
3. Ensure confidential, impartial and timely procedures;
4. Protect the dignity, integrity and rights of all persons involved.

Article 4 – Definitions

For the purposes of this Protocol:

1. Sexual harassment means any unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment. A single act may constitute sexual harassment.
2. Harassment based on sex means unwanted conduct related to gender stereotypes that undermines dignity or equality.
3. Harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression means unwanted LGBTIQ+phobic conduct creating a hostile or degrading environment.
4. Discriminatory conduct means any unequal treatment based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex characteristics, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or other intersecting factors.
5. Digital harassment means any of the above behaviours carried out through information and communication technologies.
6. Institutional violence means the persistent or systematic failure of organisational structures or leadership of the Party of the European Left to prevent, address or remedy conduct covered by this Protocol, including through practices, norms or omissions, where such failure results in harm to the dignity, safety or equal participation of the persons concerned.
7. Consent exists only when freely and explicitly expressed; silence or lack of resistance does not constitute consent.

Article 5 – Principles and Guarantees

All procedures under this Protocol shall respect:

1. Confidentiality and protection of privacy;
2. Fair treatment and presumption of innocence;
3. Right to information and accompaniment;
4. Diligence and reasonable time limits;
5. Protection against retaliation.

Article 6 – Preventive Measures

1. EL shall ensure mandatory training on equality, harassment and discrimination for leadership bodies and candidates for public or organisational office.
2. This Protocol shall be disseminated to all persons falling within its scope.
3. Feminist or Violet Safe Points shall be ensured at EL events.
4. The implementation of this Protocol shall be periodically evaluated.

Article 7 – Equality and Safeguards Commission

1. An Equality and Safeguards Commission (hereinafter: the Commission) is hereby established.
2. The Commission shall be composed of: a) One member designated by the EL Working Group on Feminism; b) One member designated by the EL Presidency; c) One member designated by the EL Secretariat.
3. Members shall act independently, receive appropriate training and withdraw in cases of conflict of interest. In such cases, a deputy member shall be appointed by the same body that designated the withdrawing member, for the duration of the procedure.

Article 8 – Initiation of the Procedure

1. Any person covered by this Protocol may submit a confidential complaint to the Commission.
2. Complaints may be submitted anonymously.
3. Upon receipt, the Commission shall assess admissibility and initiate an investigation.

Article 9 – Interim Precautionary Measures

1. The Commission may propose interim precautionary measures during the investigation.
2. Such measures may include: a) Temporary suspension of the accused person from representative or leadership functions; b) Temporary limitation or modification of participation in EL activities; c) Prohibition of contact with the complainant.
3. Interim measures shall not constitute disciplinary sanctions and shall be strictly proportionate.
4. The competent ruling body shall decide on the adoption and implementation of interim measures.

Article 10 – Investigation

1. The Commission shall conduct investigations impartially, confidentially and without undue delay.
2. The accused person shall be informed of the allegations and given the opportunity to be heard.
3. Where facts are not substantiated, all interim measures shall be lifted immediately.

Article 11 – Findings and Report

1. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Commission shall adopt a reasoned report establishing whether the facts are substantiated.
2. Where violations are established, the report shall include recommendations on measures or sanctions.
3. The report shall be transmitted to the competent ruling body.

Article 12 – Decision by Ruling Bodies

1. The competent ruling body shall decide on the basis of the Commission’s report, without re-investigating the facts.
2. Decisions may include: a) Removal from functions or mandates; b) Disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the Statutes; c) Additional political or organisational measures.
3. Decisions shall respect the principle of proportionality.

Article 13 – Appeals

Decisions adopted under this Protocol may be appealed before the competent guarantees body, in accordance with the Statutes.

Article 14 – Monitoring and Evaluation

1. The Commission shall contribute to periodic anonymised monitoring of the implementation of this Protocol.
2. Evaluation reports shall be submitted to the competent EL bodies.

Article 15 – Final Provisions

1. This Protocol enters into force upon its adoption by the EL Executive Board.
2. Any amendment to this Protocol shall require approval within the EL Executive Board.

Financial reports