Q1. What is XBRL Europe?
XBRL Europe is an international not-for-profit association based in Brussels, established under Belgian law. It is registered as an AISBL/IVZW (Association Internationale sans But Lucratif / Internationale Vereniging Zonder Winstoogmerk) in accordance with the 2019 Belgian Code for Companies and Associations.
Q2. What are its objectives?
XBRL Europe’s objectives are as follows:
- To promote a platform for the creation and exchange of business and financial information, including the development and maintenance of the XBRL standard, under the auspices and procedures of XBRL International
- To support the standardisation of electronic financial and business information in Europe through the use of the XBRL standard
- To contribute to reducing the regulatory burden by leveraging the XBRL standard
- To assist its members in communication, dialogue, representation, and cooperation on European matters, for the benefit of both the members and the XBRL standard
- To foster regional XBRL projects across Europe, encouraging collaboration and consistency
- To develop European XBRL taxonomies and support the harmonisation of national implementations, with particular attention to cross-border companies and institutions
- To promote and support the growth of new and existing European XBRL members
- To contribute to any other activity within Europe that advances the adoption and development of the XBRL standard
Q3. Who can become a member?
Membership is open to established and provisional jurisdictions of XBRL International, as well as any public or private entity, interest group, individual, or association composed of such entities, provided their registered office, principal place of business, or headquarters is located in Europe.
Q4. How does my organisation apply for membership?
Full details are available under the Membership section. Applications should be submitted by registered letter or email to the Secretary General / CEO.
Q5. What is the governance structure of XBRL Europe?
The official bodies of the Association are:
- The General Assembly
- The Board of Directors, under the advice of the Consultative Committee
- The Secretary General / CEO
Q6. How is XBRL Europe managed?
The organisation is managed by a Secretary General (or CEO), who oversees day-to-day operations under the authority of the Board of Directors and in consultation with the Consultative Committee.
Q7. How is XBRL Europe funded?
XBRL Europe is funded through membership fees and sponsorship of specific events and initiatives.
Q8. Is XBRL Europe a member of XBRL International?
No. XBRL Europe is an autonomous legal entity. It is neither a jurisdiction nor a direct member of XBRL International (XII), and does not hold a seat or voting rights in the XII Member Assembly.
Q9. Is XBRL International a member of XBRL Europe?
No. XBRL International is not a member of XBRL Europe. However, a representative of XII participates in the Consultative Committee with voting rights.
Q10. Are European jurisdictions of XBRL International members of XBRL Europe?
No, membership is not automatic. Jurisdictions of XBRL International may apply for membership and must meet the entry criteria outlined in XBRL Europe’s bylaws. The definition and list of jurisdictions are maintained by XBRL International.
Q11. Can members of XBRL Europe participate in XBRL International?
Yes. While membership in XBRL Europe does not confer direct membership in national jurisdictions or XBRL International, direct members of XBRL Europe enjoy equivalent rights within the XII consortium as if they were members of a local jurisdiction.
Q12. Why do XBRL Europe’s bylaws define Europe as a geographic concept rather than limiting it to EU member states?
While XBRL Europe’s primary focus is on supporting the development and adoption of XBRL within the European Union, the definition of “Europe” has been broadened to include non-EU countries such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Norway. This inclusive approach fosters cooperation and adoption across the wider European region.
