Institutional Members

Institutional Members must be legal entities or natural persons representing organisations, institutions or networks, which are actively involved in European legal development. They are either Institutional Fellows (with voting rights) or Institutional Observers (without voting rights). An institution is free to opt to be a Fellow or an Observer. One vote is granted per organisation.

For Institutional Members, there is a graded fee. Non-profit organisations not representing the interests of particular stakeholders contribute upwards of EUR 250 per year, subject to individual negotiations with the ELI. In the case of journals, the annual fee starts at EUR 400. The minimum fee set forth by the Statute in the case of businesses and advocacy groups is EUR 500 per year. For law firms, this fee is higher but includes the Fellowship of three partners. However, the specific fee depends on size and is subject to individual negotiations with the ELI.

Institutional Members play a key role within the Institute. They are consulted on a regular basis, are entitled to propose project ideas and nominate representatives to join Advisory Committees and Members Consultative Committees (MCCs), which work closely with Project Teams at various stages of a project.

Institutional Members may also suggest individuals to work at the very core of projects, as members of Project Teams. In addition, Institutional Members are free to decide when and the manner in which to provide input to projects, including whether to send representatives in person to key events such as the Annual Conference and Meetings or communicate at a distance. They are also welcome to participate in Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Due to their active participation in the work of the ELI, they play a crucial role in guiding the ELI in its quest for better law-making in Europe. As most of the ELI’s Institutional Members are structured as networks themselves, this constitute a very effective channel of communication through which information on the ELI’s contribution to European legal development can be shared.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the form under ‘Important Links’ on the right electronically. Do take the time to read the ELI Statute before doing so. Should you have difficulties applying or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the ELI Secretariat. Note that membership must be supported by two current ELI Fellows.

Membership applications are processed in the beginning of each month (provided a minimum number of applications are received). For your application to be considered at the next round of membership admissions, kindly complete it in full and submit it by the end of the month. The application form will be considered by various ELI bodies and processed within a period of four weeks from the commencement of each month. You will be notified of the outcome of your application as soon as your membership application is processed.

In line with the ELI Statute, each application must be supported by two ELI Fellows who act as referees. Both referees should be added to the Membership application form and will be contacted by the ELI Secretariat in the course of reviewing the application. Alternatively, the referees can express their support for a candidate’s application by sending the ELI Secretariat an email at any time.