Belgium:a website for Cross-Border Giving

The Giving in Europe website was launched at the end of 2004 by the King Baudouin Foundation and represents a valuable (free) resource for donors, intermediaries, and beneficiaries that wish to give or receive a cross-border donation or legacy. Here they will find practical information and initial advice on how to deal with the legal and fiscal aspects involved in the cross-border philanthropic transaction (gift or inheritance taxes to be paid, possible relief or exemptions, bilateral tax treaties, alternative solutions, etc.), taking into account the country of residence of donor and beneficiary and the country where the assets are located.

The website covers the 15 pre-enlargement European Union countries as well as Switzerland.

During its first year of existence, the website contributed to raising awareness of the importance of reforming the legal-fiscal environment of cross-border philanthropy across Europe by highlighting the unequal treatment of national and cross-border philanthropy.

Legal and fiscal developments and national updates in the Member States on this issue were shared with surfers, and important events and conferences dealing with the subject were highlighted. Furthermore, people registering themselves with the Giving in Europe e-newsletter received background information and analysis on important current developments. It will remain a priority to pursue this work in 2006: integrate national updates, share relevant information, and promote the issue.

By the end of 2006 or the beginning of 2007, the website will also extend its coverage to the 10 new EU Member States and will develop a transatlantic giving section to give initial advice to donors in the US wanting to support an organisation based in Europe and to European donors wanting to support a beneficiary in the US on how they can do that in an effective way.

www.givingineurope.org