Agenda items
Question
Our general meeting is taking place next week. A motion from a member has now been received after the deadline stated in the articles of association. The member is proposing that the membership fee amount be left as it is. The committee, on the other hand, is proposing that the membership fee be increased. Are we required to present the member's motion?
Answer
As the business of the "membership fee" has been included under the agenda items, the motion put forward by the member represents a proposal relating to an existing agenda item. The invitation period only applies to motions that request the addition of an agenda item, i.e. relating to a (further) point of business that should be included in the agenda.
The motion that you mention must therefore be put forward and voted on. Members must also have the opportunity to put forward a motion (relating to a scheduled agenda item) at the meeting itself. This is what makes democratic discussions and the formation of opinions at the general meeting possible in the first place.
Question
Should the annual/membership fee be included in the agenda items of the general meeting even if it is to remain the same?
Answer
The amount of the membership fee is generally determined by the general meeting. If the exact amount is defined in the articles of association, an increase or reduction can only be implemented by means of an amendment to the articles of association. In such cases, the item of business only has to be added to the agenda items upon a corresponding motion being put forward by the committee or a member.
If the fee amount is not specified in the articles of association, its definition is part of the ordinary business of the general meeting. In such cases, it is advisable to include the "membership fee" agenda item each year. The committee can then, for example, propose that the current fee is maintained. The members can, however, put forward countermotions.
