The "Mozaik" Foundation, together with partner organizations, within the project "Legal Framework for Philanthropy", gathered over 70 representatives of the civil, business and public sectors from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina at meeting of intersectoral thematic advocacy teams.
The meetings of the three teams discussed how to find together the best ways to facilitate giving for the common good in Bosnia and Herzegovina within their thematic areas.
On the first day (7th of December), the thematic advocacy team that deals with defining terms that are important for philanthropy (donations, activities for the common good, humanitarian activities and other terms) discussed ways to change existing laws on associations and foundations. Four laws are in force at the state, entity and Brcko District levels. The importance of introducing these terms into existing laws was emphasized, and it was concluded that team members should agree on which terms need to be defined and how to achieve cooperation with key decision makers in this area.
Regarding the provision of online donations to civil society organizations, at a meeting held on 8th of December, it was concluded that a clear position of regulators is needed on why they currently do not allow donations to associations and foundations through e-commerce services, bearing in mind that monitoring transactions using e-commerce is completely transparent. It was pointed out that in cases when the law is vague, the regulator always takes a more conservative approach, which in this case is completely unfavorable for giving for the common good and support for developmental philanthropy and humanitarian actions for social endangerment of individuals and their families. The present participants were informed at the meeting about the process of public consultations on amendments to the law on value added tax and the participation of members of the teams in the consultations was agreed.
On the topic of releasing food donations before the expiration of the deadline from the payment of VAT, we started with the planning of the advocacy campaign, which is planned for the first quarter of 2022.
Source: lonac.pro
