ARTICLE 1 – CONSTITUTION
A non-profit association is hereby established between the signatories of these statutes and those who will adhere to them in the future. It is governed by the French law of July 1, 1901 and the decree of August 16, 1901, as amended and applicable.
ARTICLE 2 – NAME
The name of the association is: ‘Association française de statistique et d’économétrie spatiales’ (hereinafter, the ‘Association’).
The acronym of the Association is AFSES.
For dissemination and international representation purposes, the Association is known as the French Association in Spatial Econometrics and Statistics (FASES).
ARTICLE 3 – PURPOSE
The Association, which is non-profit, aims to promote exchanges on the state of the art and future challenges in the fields of spatial econometrics, spatial statistics, and network econometrics. It seeks to stimulate and strengthen interactions between young researchers and recognized figures in these areas.
It may affiliate with international organizations having the same or similar objectives.
ARTICLE 4 – REGISTERED OFFICE
The registered office of the Association may be moved to another address in mainland France by simple decision of the President.
It may be transferred to any other location by decision of an Extraordinary General Assembly.
ARTICLE 5 – DURATION
The Association is established for an indefinite duration.
ARTICLE 6 – MEMBERS
The Association consists of the Founding Members: Sophie DABO and Nicolas DEBARSY.
These may be natural persons or legal entities under private or public law, designated as such in these statutes (the ‘Founding Members’). If any legal entity is a Founding Member, it is represented by a duly authorized natural person.
The statutory Founding Members are listed in Annex 1, which is an integral part of these statutes.
In addition:
- Other Adherent Members: Any natural or legal person under private or public law adhering to the Association’s statutes after the list of Founding Members has been finalized, interested in spatial econometrics, spatial statistics, or network economics and econometrics, regardless of nationality or residence, and having paid the annual membership fee.
- Institutional Full Members: Any public or private organization that joins the Association and pays a specific annual fee. Each institutional member is represented by a duly authorized natural person.
Honorary Members: Natural or legal persons designated as such in the statutes or later upon decision of the General Assembly or the President, for their particular expertise or services rendered to the Association. They participate in assemblies with a consultative vote and are exempt from membership fees. Legal entities are represented by a duly authorized natural person. Honorary membership is indefinite.
- Benefactor Members: Any natural or legal person under private or public law that adheres to the Association’s statutes, contributes to its activities, and makes a donation exceeding the institutional membership fee.
The Founding Members, Other Adherent Members, Institutional Full Members, and Benefactor Members are hereinafter referred to individually as a ‘Member’ and collectively as the ‘Members’.
ARTICLE 7 – ACQUISITION AND LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP
7.1 Acquisition of Membership:
Membership admission, including Honorary Members, is subject to the unanimous approval of the Association’s Board. Rejection does not need to be justified.
Becoming a member implies:
- Commitment to comply with these statutes;
- Payment of the annual fee, if applicable.
7.2 Loss of Membership:
Membership may be lost through:
– Resignation, notified in writing to the President (members paying fees still owe all dues at the date of resignation);
– Exclusion decided unanimously by the Board for any serious reason, after allowing the member to present their defense;
– Death (for natural persons) or dissolution (for legal entities).
7.3 Temporary Suspension of Membership:
The Board may unanimously decide to temporarily suspend a member instead of excluding them. During the suspension, the member is deprived of all rights of participation in the Association.
ARTICLE 8 – MEMBERSHIP FEES – RESOURCES – MEANS OF ACTION
8.1 Membership Fees:
Members and Honorary Members contribute to the Association’s operations through participation in its activities and, where applicable, payment of an annual fee (fee amounts are listed on the Association’s website).
8.2 Resources:
The Association’s resources include:
– Revenue from events and activities organized or co-organized by the Association;
– Membership fees;
– Donations from members, honorary members, or third parties;
– Sales of products or service fees;
– Grants from the State, local authorities, European aid, or any other grants obtained;
– Interest earned on treasury placements;
– Any other resources authorized by applicable laws and regulations.
8.3 Means of Action:
The Association’s means of action, aligned with its purpose, include:
– Organizing an annual conference;
– Organizing debates, workshops, publications, thematic schools;
– Awarding prizes (notably the Cem Ertur Prize);
– Any other means aligned with the Association’s purpose.
ARTICLE 9 – ORGANIZATION OF THE ASSOCIATION
9.1 Appointments:
The General Assembly (ordinary resolution) elects a Management Committee of up to 12 members for a three-year term, renewable. The committee elects a President, a Treasurer, and optionally a Secretary, forming the Board. Assistants may be appointed for the President and Treasurer. Board members need not be part of the Management Committee.
Each role (President, Treasurer, etc.) is appointed for two years (between annual general meetings) and may be re-elected.
Mandates end by term expiration, resignation, loss of civil rights, or removal by the General Assembly (ordinary resolution).
In case of premature vacancy, the corresponding assistant (if any) acts as interim until the next Ordinary General Assembly; otherwise, the committee appoints an interim replacement.
These roles are unpaid, except reimbursement of expenses with proper documentation.
9.2 Powers:
The President has the broadest authority to lead and manage the Association, within the scope of its purpose and subject to General Assembly powers.
They approve financial accounts and decide on the budget, manage assets and personnel, and may engage volunteers, employees, or interns.
The Board manages day-to-day affairs and may meet upon President’s request.
The President represents the Association in all legal acts and may act in its name in court.
The Secretary (or the President if absent) drafts minutes of Board and General Assembly meetings and maintains the legal records.
The Treasurer prepares financial accounts, collects membership fees, manages payments/receipts, and presents the financial report at the annual General Assembly.
ARTICLE 10 – ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY
10.1 Composition:
Includes all Members. Each Member may be represented by another Member (limited to three proxies per Member). Representation by others is prohibited. Honorary Members may attend with consultative voice.
10.2 Meetings:
Held at least once a year, convened by the President with 15 days’ notice. The agenda, date, time, and location are stated in the notice. Members may propose agenda items 10 days before the meeting.
The President chairs; in absence, the assembly elects a session chair.
The Assembly deliberates only on the agenda. Minutes are recorded and signed by the chair and the Secretary (or acting Secretary).
10.3 Powers:
The President presents the Association’s activities; the Treasurer reports on finances and presents annual accounts. The Assembly may also decide on all matters not reserved for the Extraordinary Assembly, including revising membership fees.
10.4 Decisions:
Decisions are made by a simple majority of present/represented Members (in person or online). One vote per Member. Quorum is 25% of Members. Blank proxy votes count in favor. No postal voting; electronic voting is allowed. If quorum is not met, a new meeting is held within 10 days and valid regardless of attendance.
ARTICLE 11 – EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY
11.1 Composition:
Same as the Ordinary General Assembly. Representation is limited to three mandates per Member. Honorary Members may attend with consultative voice.
11.2 Meetings:
Convened by the President at any time with 15 days’ notice. The agenda, date, time, and location are included. If amending statutes, proposed changes must be included. The convener presides; otherwise, the assembly elects a session chair.
11.3 Powers:
Exclusively competent to decide on:
- Amendment of statutes (except seat transfer);
- Transformation, merger, or dissolution of the Association.
11.4 Decisions:
Adopted by two-thirds majority of present/represented Members (in person or online). One vote per Member. Quorum is one-third of Members.
ARTICLE 12 – FINANCIAL YEAR
The financial year begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st.
However, by way of exception, the first financial year shall include the period from the day of the Association’s declaration until the following December 31st.
ARTICLE 13 – INTERNAL RULES
Internal rules may be established by the President, who must then have them approved by the Ordinary General Assembly.
These optional rules are intended to determine various points not provided for in the present bylaws, particularly those relating to the internal administration of the Association.
ARTICLE 14 – DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution declared under the conditions provided for in the article relating to Extraordinary General Assemblies, one or more liquidators shall be appointed, and the net assets, if any, shall be transferred to an organization whose purpose is compatible with that of the Association, in accordance with the decisions of the Extraordinary General Assembly ruling on the dissolution. The net assets may not be transferred to a member of the Association, even partially, except for the return of a contribution.
Amended bylaws adopted by the Extraordinary General Assembly on July 1, 2022
Mr. Nicolas Debarsy, The Treasurer
(in his capacity as Founding Member)
Ms. Sophie Dabo, The President
(in her capacity as Founding Member)