FRANCE

• Legal framework:

Freedom of association was recognised in 1971 as one of the “fundamental principles recognised by the laws of the Republic (PFRLR)” constitutionalised by the decision of the French Constitutional Council on 16/07/1971. 

https://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/decision/1971/7144DC.htm 

• Legislative framework: 

Law of 1 July 1901 on the contract of association: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/LEGITEXT000006069570/  

In the Rhine and Moselle departments, the 1901 Act does not apply. The local civil code sets out the terms and conditions of association. These articles are in fact those of the German law on associations of 1908. The main differences are that associations are entered in the register of associations kept by the local court and not at the prefecture, that 7 members are required to register an association and that an association can be freely profit-making. These associations are sometimes incorrectly referred to as “1908 law” associations.

Ministry responsible for associations

Secretary of State for the Social and Solidarity Economy and Associative Life, reporting directly to the Prime Minister. 

Since 4/07/2022 Marlène Schiappa Secretary of State reporting to Elizabeth Borne, Prime Minister.