Purpose

To establish a legal entity of OSGeo in Europe, and more precisely in The Netherlands. The entity will be operating under the name "OSGeo”, serving as the European operational arm of the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo.org).

Entity Type: Stichting (Foundation) or Vereniging (Association) under Dutch law.

Governing Documents: OSGeo.org bylaws shall form the basis for the Dutch entity's articles of legal entity, adapted as necessary to comply with Dutch legal requirements.

Details about the possible legal forms for the entity can be found here.

A separate motion will be put forward to decide on the exact legal form and bylaws.

Registered Office: Home address of Jeroen Ticheler, Bennekom, The Netherlands

Initial Governance

Founding Director: Jeroen Ticheler will serve as director during the establishment phase. Upon successful establishment, the current OSGeo.org Board of Directors will be appointed as board members of the Dutch entity.

Rationale

This entity will provide OSGeo with:

• Legal presence in the European Union

• Improved operational efficiency for European activities

• Enhanced ability to enter contracts and manage relationships with European partners such as European institutions or OSGeo local chapters.

• Compliance with EU-specific regulatory requirements to (among others) be able to receive funds to support OSGeo’s mission.

Authorization

This proposal authorises Jeroen Ticheler to undertake all necessary actions to establish the legal entity, including engaging legal counsel, filing required documentation, and making decisions required during the incorporation process.