EPLO functions on the principle of added value to its member organisations. Its work complements the activities of its member organisations, drawing upon their specific expertise and joining their forces in areas better dealt with together. EPLO advocates for its ideas by developing common positions and promoting these to the EU institutions and other policy decision-making bodies through position papers, campaigns, press and media promotion, participation in conferences and seminars, and regular meetings with institutional representatives and other relevant actors.

Joint approaches on wider policy are reached in consultation with all member organisations. Common positions may if necessary include minority positions. If a member organisation feels arguably compromised in its core values, it can call upon the Steering Committee to negotiate a solution.

The EPLO General Assembly meets twice a year and is EPLO’s decision-making body. It is where constitutional decisions are taken by all member organisations, and where elections for the Steering Committee are held. In accordance with EPLO’s external statutes, the Steering Committee selects EPLO’s President, Vice President and Treasurer. The General Assembly decides on strategic multi-annual plans and the annual work plan on the basis of proposals prepared by the Office and the Steering Committee. The General Assembly also decides on membership admission and the principle structure of the Working Groups and other groups which develop EPLO’s policy positions.

Click here to download EPLO's internal statutes.