Art. 1 – Name of the Association

An unincorporated association named “Veterinary European Society for Minimally Invasive Surgery” (VESMIS) is hereby established.

Art. 2 – Objectives of the Association

The Association pursues the following objectives:

• to promote the study of veterinary minimally invasive surgery through continuous education;
• to encourage collaboration among members and establish close contacts with other societies or organizations with shared interests in minimally invasive veterinary surgery;
• to encourage members to conduct new research and clinical studies, thereby contributing to the expansion of veterinary literature;
• to grant recognition to individuals who have distinguished themselves in veterinary minimally invasive surgery or have made significant contributions to the Association.

To achieve these aims, VESMIS will organize workshops, seminars, conferences, and provide online information. It will also participate in meetings attended by professionals in minimally invasive surgery.

Art. 3 – Members

The Association shall consist of ordinary members and honorary members:

1. Ordinary Members: active members who may be veterinarians or academics interested in the Association’s objectives. Members will mainly be accredited European veterinarians, particularly those interested in minimally invasive surgery.
2. Honorary Members: individuals granted special recognition by the Association, elected during the General Assembly. Becoming an honorary member is the highest distinction conferred. Honorary members have the same rights as ordinary members but are exempt from membership fees.

Art. 4 – Rights and Duties of Members

1. Ordinary and honorary members have voting rights in the General Assembly.
2. All members may submit proposals to the Board and the General Assembly.
3. All members may participate in events organized by the Association.
4. Members must:

• pursue the Association’s objectives to the best of their ability;
• treat all Association property with care;
• pay membership fees on time;
• attend the General Assembly.

1. The Association’s assets shall not be distributed to members, either wholly or partially. Members shall not receive any financial distributions.

Art. 5 – Conditions of Membership

1. Applications must be submitted in writing to the Secretary. Admission is decided by the Board by simple majority. In case of refusal, the applicant may appeal to the General Assembly.
2. Membership ceases in case of:

• death
• resignation
• expulsion

1. Resignation must be submitted in writing to the Board with three months’ notice.
2. Expulsion may occur in case of:

• failure to pay membership fees within three months after the due date;
• serious or repeated violations of the Statute;
• unprofessional or unethical conduct against the Association’s interests.

1. Expulsion is decided by the Board by majority vote and takes immediate effect. The member has the right to present a defense within at least two weeks.
2. Appeals against expulsion may be submitted to the General Assembly within one month.
3. If no appeal is submitted within the deadline, no further action may be taken, except as provided by law.
4. In case of resignation, expulsion, or dissolution, members are not entitled to any share of the Association’s assets, except reimbursement of documented expenses.

Art. 6 – Membership Fee

1. The Board sets the annual membership fee, subject to approval by the General Assembly.
2. Full annual payment is required even in case of joining or leaving during the year.

Art. 7 – Organization of the Association

The Association’s bodies are:

1. the Board of Directors
2. the General Assembly

Art. 8 – The Board of Directors

1. The Board consists of: President, Past President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
2. The President and Vice President jointly represent the Association. Decisions require at least three members present and are taken by simple majority; in case of a tie, the President’s vote prevails.
3. Except for the first Board, members are elected every two years and serve two-year terms.
4. Board members may be re-elected.
5. The President chairs meetings and ensures order.
6. The Vice President becomes President after two years and oversees the scientific program.
7. If both President and Vice President are absent, a Board member will chair the meeting.
8. Replacements for vacant positions are taken from non-elected candidates.
9. The Secretary:

• manages correspondence;
• prepares minutes;
• handles membership requests;
• informs members of meetings.

1. The Treasurer:

• manages finances;
• maintains membership records;
• presents financial reports every two years;
• payments over €5,000 require the President’s authorization.

1. The Board may co-opt Directors without voting rights.
2. Vacancies may be filled temporarily by co-opted members.
3. Board positions are unpaid (except reimbursed expenses).
4. Members may serve no more than two consecutive terms.

Art. 9 – Election of the Board

1. The Secretary informs members of vacancies and requests nominations.
2. All members may nominate candidates.
3. Voting is conducted by secret ballot (by mail).
4. Votes are counted during the General Assembly.

Art. 10 – General Assembly

1. The Board convenes the Assembly every two years.
2. Members are notified in writing with the agenda.
3. Extraordinary meetings may be called by the Board or by one-tenth of members.
4. Quorum:

• First call: at least 15% of voting members
• Second call: valid regardless of attendance

Members may delegate one proxy.

Art. 11 – Functions of the General Assembly

The Assembly:

• approves previous minutes;
• elects the Board;
• sets membership fees;
• approves budget;
• appoints members;
• amends the Statute;
• decides on appeals;
• resolves major issues;
• decides on dissolution.

Art. 12 – Conduct of the General Assembly

1. Chaired by the President or Vice President.
2. Decisions are by simple majority (show of hands).
3. Additional voting rounds may be held in case of ties.

Art. 13 – Decisions and Records

All decisions must be recorded in minutes and signed by the President and Secretary.

Art. 14 – Amendments to the Statute

Amendments can only be made during the General Assembly and must be included in the agenda.

Art. 15 – Assets

1. Funds may only be used for the Association’s objectives.
2. Surplus funds must be safely invested.
3. Expenses must align with the Association’s goals.

Art. 16 – Dissolution of the Association

1. Dissolution requires approval by at least two-thirds of members and three-quarters of votes.
2. Two liquidators will be appointed.
3. Assets will be transferred to a similar organization or public benefit purpose; no distribution to members.