On 25 March 2026, the conference 'Enterprise Foundations in Austria and Europe' took place at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien). The newly published Model Law on Enterprise Foundations served as the starting point for a discussion with experts from academia and practice from across Europe on current developments in the field and on possible directions for reform.

Prof Dr Christiane Wendehorst, ELI Scientific Director, emphasized the impact of the Model Law developed by ELI and its role as a source of inspiration for national foundation laws.

Christian Helmenstein and Steen Thomsen presented compelling data illustrating the economic significance and impact of enterprise foundations in Europe.

Thomas Barth explained the legal aspects of long-term oriented ownership (foundation ownership).

Prof Dr Anne Sanders presented the key provisions of the ELI Model Law on Enterprise Foundations, focusing on the connection with operating companies, flexibility in structuring, governance, accompanying supervision, and openness with regard to purpose.

Henrique Sousa Antunes (Portugal), Konrad Osajda and Krzysztof Grzegorczyk (Poland), Dr Eva Baumgartner, Cattina Leitner, Martin Wohlmuth (Erste Stiftung), and Prof Dr Dominique Jakob (Switzerland) presented national developments and best practices through examples from their respective jurisdictions. 

The ELI Model Law on Enterprise Foundations is available here.