Statutes of the "Alpine Initiative"

Association "for the protection of the Alpine region from transit traffic"

Art. 1 – Name and registered office

The "Alpine Initiative" is an association under Art. 60ff of the Swiss Civil Code. The association's registered office is in Brig VS (Switzerland).

Art. 2 – Aim

The association aims to protect the Alpine region from the negative effects of transit traffic and preserve it as living space.

Art. 3 – Means

To achieve these goals

• the association strives towards a rapid implementation of Article 84 and Article 196 (1st transitional provision) of the Swiss Federal Constitution,
• issues information on transit traffic and its effects on mountain regions,
• participates, wherever possible, in initiatives against transalpine transit traffic on roads,
• the association co-operates with persons and organisations in Switzerland and abroad who are fighting the flood of transit traffic,
• the association supports activities to preserve the Alpine region as a living space
   

Art. 4 – Bodies

The bodies of the association are:

• the general meeting
• the board and the executive board
• the auditors
   

Art. 5 – General meeting

a) Competences
The general meeting is the highest body of the association and takes all fundamental decisions. It decides, in particular, on

• changes to the statutes
• the level of membership fees
• the exclusion of members
• the dissolution of the association
• guidelines
• the launching of popular initiatives
  
  

It approves

• the annual report
• the annual accounts
  
  

It elects

• the members of the board
• the members of the executive board
• the president and vice-president
• the auditor
  
  

The general meeting only discusses business that is on the agenda. Requests for additional agenda items can be made to the executive board no later than one month before the meeting.

b) Convocation
The general meeting meets at least once a year. Ten percent of the members can ask for an extraordinary general meeting to be convened.

c) Voting
Resolutions are passed by a simple majority. Changes to the statutes and the dissolution of the association require a two-thirds majority. Both individuals and legal entities have one vote each at the general meeting.

Art. 6 – Board (BD)

a) Competences
The board clearly defines the fundamental decisions of the general meeting. In particular, it decides on

• the annual programme
• the financial plan and budget
• the launching or support of referendums
• the support of popular initiatives
• membership of other organisations
• major actions
• the pursuance of EPA/NCHA appeals
• concepts and regulations and the
• organisation chart

The board elects the association's director.

b) Composition
The board comprises at least seven members, if possible from all regions of Switzerland.

c) Participation
Members of the association can participate in board meetings in a consultative capacity.

Art. 7 – Executive Board (EB)

a) Competences
The executive board is responsible for day-to-day business. In particular, it makes decisions regarding EPA/NCHA appeals. Its further competences are regulated in the organisation chart.

b) Composition
The executive board comprises a president, a vice-president and two other members of the board.

c) Voting
In the event of a tied vote, the president has the deciding vote.

d) Right to table motions
Members of the board can table motions to the executive board.

Art. 8 – Secretariat (SEC)

The secretariat is responsible for the preparation and implementation of the decisions made by the association's bodies. Its competences and tasks are regulated in the organisation chart (OC).

Art. 9 – Auditor (AO)

The auditor reviews the association's accounts at least once a year and reports to the general meeting.

Art. 10 – Membership

Any individual or legal entity that agrees with the goals and pays a yearly membership fee can become a member of the association. Members can be excluded without giving reasons.

Art. 11 – Use of assets in the event of dissolution of the association

Any net profit may not be distributed. If the association is dissolved, its assets are to be transferred to a non-profit institution with similar goals.

Art. 12 – Liability

The association's liability shall be limited to the extent of its assets. All personal liability is excluded.

The present statutes were adopted at the founding assembly on 25 February 1989 and revised at the general meetings of 23 April 1994, 19 February 1999, 19 May 2001, 20 April 2002, 23 April 2005, 13 May 2006 and 14 May 2011.

The original version in German is authoritative.