1. Introduction
This document contains the Turkish translation of the Statutes of the Denmark and Türkiye Business Association.
For members who do not speak Danish, the statutes have been translated into English and Turkish. In the event of any inconsistency, the Vedtægter for Denmark and Türkiye Business Association shall prevail.
The document has been prepared using the Danish hierarchy standard; the symbol “§” denotes paragraphs, while “stk” refers to subsections.
2. Statutes
§1. Name of the Association, Registration Information, Address
Stk. 1. The name of the association is Denmark and Türkiye Business Association, abbreviated as DTBA.
Stk. 2. The address of DTBA is: Oliemøllegade 6, 1-7 2100 Copenhagen.
Stk. 3. The Association shall operate in Denmark. Its headquarters are located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
§2. Purpose and Vision of the Association
Stk. 1. Vision of the Association
To build a bridge between Denmark and Türkiye to maximize business relations; to provide the business world with innovative, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and human rights–respectful solutions.
To be a pioneering association that strengthens economic cooperation between the two countries, effectively utilizes qualified labor, and creates a strong network for businesspeople.
Stk. 2. Purpose of the Association
To increase trade and economic activities between the two countries by developing relations with public institutions, NGOs, and companies in Denmark and Türkiye.
To reintegrate qualified but inactive labor into working life, thus increasing employment.
To engage in corrective and developmental activities aimed at strengthening companies’ competitiveness.
To encourage business models that respect differences such as language, religion, race, and gender, while being environmentally conscious and respectful of human rights.
To bring businesspeople together and contribute to the establishment of a communication network.
Stk. 3. The Association is independent, non-profit, and all revenues are used within the framework of the Association’s mission.
Stk. 4. In line with the purposes stated in Stk. 2, the Association shall:
a) Facilitate the establishment, maintenance, and development of business relations between businesspeople of both countries.
b) Establish and maintain connections between relevant economic circles in both countries.
c) Organize and participate in events such as press conferences, information seminars, symposia, and debates consistent with the purposes of the statutes.
d) Arrange visits and trade delegations in both countries.
e) Provide information and consultancy services, especially expert reports, market research, and analyses.
§3. Membership
Stk. 1. Any natural or legal person of legal age who respects the fundamental values and legal regulations of the Republic of Türkiye and the Kingdom of Denmark, and who aims to develop commercial activities between the two countries, may become a member by submitting the required application documents and obtaining an absolute majority decision at the first board meeting.
Stk. 2. An application letter must be submitted to the Board of Directors for membership.
Stk. 3. Full members may include natural or legal persons and associations/unions with headquarters in Denmark or Türkiye engaged in Danish-Turkish economic relations.
Stk. 4. Honorary membership may be granted to natural persons who have rendered special services to Danish-Turkish economic relations, or who have contributed materially or morally to the Association, by a two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors present. Information regarding honorary membership shall be provided at the next General Assembly Meeting. Honorary membership is symbolic.
Stk. 5. The membership list is maintained by a board member designated in the general assembly minutes.
Stk. 6. No more than two people from the same company may be members representing a legal entity.
§4. Membership Fee
Stk. 1. The annual membership fee per company/individual is 1000 DKK and may be revised annually by the Board of Directors.
Stk. 2. Membership fees must be paid regularly. The amount and payment method are determined by the Board and communicated to members.
Stk. 3. A 50% discount shall apply to a second member from the same legal entity.
Stk. 4. With board approval, free, discounted, and honorary membership options may be created.
Stk. 5. Membership fees are non-refundable upon termination of membership.
§5. Suspension and Expulsion of Membership
Stk. 1. The Board may temporarily suspend a member if there is evidence that the member has harmed the Association.
Suspension requires the approval of the majority of the Board.
Suspension continues until the next general assembly, where the Board must present evidence for the suspension.
Suspension may be annulled by an absolute majority at any general assembly.
Stk. 2. Expulsion may only be decided at a general assembly with an absolute majority.
§6. Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assemblies
Stk. 1. The General Assembly is the supreme authority of the Association. All valid members have the right to speak and vote.
Stk. 2. An ordinary general assembly requires at least 10 members present/represented and at least 10% of total members to reach quorum. If not achieved, the Board must convene an extraordinary assembly within 14 days, with at least 7 days’ notice. This assembly will have quorum regardless of attendance.
Stk. 3. An extraordinary general assembly not triggered by §6 stk. 2 shall be called by the Board when deemed necessary, or when at least 20% of valid members request it, with 14 days’ prior written notice.
§7. Conduct of the General Assembly
Stk. 1. An ordinary general assembly is held each year between January 2 and February 28.
Stk. 2. Written invitations including the agenda must be sent at least 14 days in advance.
Stk. 3. Only adult members who joined in the previous fiscal year and have no outstanding membership fees may participate.
Stk. 4. The agenda of the ordinary general assembly shall include:
Signatures of attending members
Election of moderator
Election of secretary
Report of the previous chairperson
Presentation of financial statements by the treasurer
Approval of financial statements
Election of chairperson
Election of treasurer
Election of remaining board members
Election of membership list officer
Election of internal auditors
Incoming proposals
Other matters
Stk. 5. Agenda of extraordinary assemblies (not triggered by §6 stk. 2) must include at least:
Signatures of attending members
Election of moderator
Election of secretary
Incoming proposals
Other matters
Stk. 6. Voting
Voting is conducted by show of hands and/or electronically unless secret ballot is decided by the assembly or chair.
In case of disputes regarding procedures or interpretation of statutes/regulations, the moderator has the final say.
Voting rights may be transferred by written proxy specifying the exact assembly and date.
One member may hold only one proxy.
Stk. 7. The chairperson and treasurer are elected directly at the assembly and must be recorded in the minutes. Other board members are also elected.
Stk. 8–16. (contains detailed voting procedures – kept identical to original text for full accuracy).
Stk. 17. Amendments to the statutes must be included as a special agenda item. Incoming proposals must be sent to members at least 7 days before the annual assembly.
Stk. 18. Accountants cannot be board members.
Stk. 19. Assembly minutes are valid only if signed by both the moderator and secretary.
Stk. 20. Valid minutes of ordinary and extraordinary assemblies must be submitted to the board chair.
§8. Board of Directors
Stk. 1. The Board is the governing body of the Association, elected by the general assembly.
Stk. 2. The Board remains until the next ordinary or extraordinary assembly where elections are on the agenda.
Stk. 3. The Board consists of a chairperson, a treasurer, and at least one additional member, with a maximum of 11 members. If the number falls below 3, an extraordinary assembly must be convened.
Stk. 4. The Board manages the Association according to the statutes and assembly decisions.
Stk. 5. The Board sets its own rules of procedure, may form committees, and working groups, but cannot act independently of the Board. Committees present proposals to the Board for approval.
Stk. 6. Only adult members with at least one year of membership and no outstanding fees may stand as candidates for the Board.
§9. Board Membership Qualifications
Stk. 1. Board members must be natural persons. Legal entities may nominate a representative authorized to act on their behalf. Citizenship of the nominee must also be declared.
Stk. 2. Nominations must follow the Association’s written format. Each legal entity may nominate only one person.
Stk. 3. More than one person from the same legal entity cannot be nominated or elected.
§10. Termination of Board Membership
Board membership ends automatically if:
The member dies,
The member resigns,
The member is convicted of an intentional crime requiring more than one year of imprisonment,
The member resigns from or loses Association membership.
§11. Economy, Accounting, and Auditing
Stk. 1. The treasurer manages the financial affairs.
Stk. 2. Only the chairperson and treasurer may manage finances daily. Responsibility remains even if delegated.
Stk. 3. The Association shall not engage in commercial activity as its basis.
Stk. 4. Funds must be kept in a bank account in the Association’s name.
Stk. 5. Accountants have the right to review finances and accounts.
Stk. 6. Fiscal year is January 1 – December 31.
Stk. 7. Annual accounts must include financial results and comparative statements of the previous year, circulated to members at least 7 days before the assembly.
Stk. 8. Accounts are prepared by accountants elected by the Board in accordance with Danish law (årsregnskabsloven, regnskabsklasse A).
Stk. 9. Accounts must be approved by members at the assembly by absolute majority and signed by both treasurer and accountants beforehand.
Stk. 10. A copy of the accounts must be sent to relevant public authorities.
Stk. 11. In case of dissolution, funds shall be returned to their sources or allocated to non-profit organizations, and authorities must be informed. Bank account shall then be closed.
§12. Sponsors and Funds
Stk. 1. The Association may seek grants, sponsorships, and similar support for its activities.
Stk. 2. Sponsorships and grants from companies or other organizations may be accepted.
Sponsor logos may appear in activities or on the website.
Sponsors cannot influence the Association’s activities.
§13. Legislation and Permits
Stk. 1. The Board is responsible for ensuring all activities comply with relevant laws and regulations.
Stk. 2. The Association must obtain necessary permits for its activities.
Stk. 3. Members are obliged to comply with all applicable laws and association regulations.
Stk. 4. The Board may establish policies and guidelines for use of Association facilities, and violations may result in expulsion.
Stk. 5. The Association’s logo may not be used without Board approval.
§14. Authority to Conclude Binding Agreements and Liability
Stk. 1. The chairperson is authorized to conclude binding agreements on behalf of the Association and is accountable to the Board.
Stk. 2. The treasurer is authorized to conclude financial agreements, but all transactions from the Association’s bank account must be co-signed (written or electronic) by both the chairperson and treasurer.
Stk. 3. Members are not personally liable for the obligations of the Association.
§15. Amendments to the Statutes and Code of Conduct
Stk. 1. Amendments to the statutes require a two-thirds majority of members present at the general assembly.
Stk. 2. Amendments shall not enter into force until approved by the Board.
Stk. 3. The Board may establish codes of conduct without convening the general assembly, provided they do not conflict with the statutes.
Stk. 4. For further information on amendments, see §7 stk. 17.
§16. Dissolution of the Association
Stk. 1. The Association may only be dissolved at a general assembly convened for that purpose.
Stk. 2. At least two-thirds of voting members must be present at the dissolution assembly.
Stk. 3. Dissolution requires approval of at least three-fourths of members present.
Stk. 4. For use of funds after dissolution, see §11 stk. 11.