EU-Cuba Network for Democracy : Decision-Making and Governan

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The governance of the EU–Cuba Network for Democracy shall be based on the following bodies:

1. The General Assembly
    
2. The International Secretariat
    
3. The Conflict Resolution Mechanism
    

1. The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the Network.
    
2. It is composed of the duly designated representatives of all member and partner organizations.
    
3. The General Assembly shall meet at least once per year, either in person or by secure digital means.
    
4. Extraordinary sessions may be convened upon request of the International Secretariat or one-third of member organizations.
    

Powers of the General Assembly include:

• Defining the strategic orientations of the Network
   
• Approving annual activity reports and policy priorities
   
• Appointing or confirming members of the International Secretariat
   
• Adopting or amending internal bylaws
   
• Validating cooperation frameworks and institutional partnerships
   

Decision-making:

• Decisions shall be taken preferably by consensus.
   
• Where consensus cannot be reached, decisions shall be adopted by a qualified majority of members present or represented, as defined by internal rules.
   

1. The International Secretariat is the executive and coordination body of the Network.
    
2. It acts as the primary institutional interlocutor with:
    
   • European Union institutions
      
   • The European External Action Service (EEAS)
      
   • United Nations and international human-rights mechanisms
      

1. The Secretariat is composed of a limited number of members appointed by the General Assembly, reflecting geographic and organizational diversity.
    

Responsibilities include:

• Implementing decisions of the General Assembly
   
• Ensuring day-to-day coordination and information-sharing
   
• Representing the Network externally
   
• Preparing agendas, reports, and documentation for the General Assembly
   
• Ensuring compliance with transparency, neutrality, and institutional standards
   

1. The Secretariat operates on the principles of impartiality, transparency, and collective responsibility.
    

1. The Network recognizes the sovereignty, independence, and autonomy of all member and partner organizations.
    
2. No decision shall infringe upon the internal governance, political positioning, or legal independence of any member organization.
    
3. Common positions and public statements shall be adopted only when:
    
   • They fall within the shared objectives of the Network
      
   • They have been validated through agreed decision-making procedures
      

1. Participation in joint actions remains voluntary, unless otherwise agreed.
    

1. A Conflict Resolution Mechanism is established to address internal disputes in a constructive, non-confrontational manner.
    
2. Its purpose is to preserve unity, mutual respect, and institutional credibility.
    

Principles:

• Dialogue and mediation
   
• Neutrality and confidentiality
   
• Respect for organizational sovereignty
   
• Pact of non-aggression among members
   

1. Any dispute shall first be addressed through informal mediation facilitated by the International Secretariat.
    
2. If unresolved, the matter may be referred to an ad hoc mediation panel designated by the General Assembly.
    
3. Sanctions or exclusions may only be considered as a last resort and must be decided by the General Assembly.
    

1. Member and partner organizations commit to:
    
   • Refrain from public or private actions that undermine other organizations within the Network
      
   • Resolve disagreements through internal mechanisms
      
   • Uphold a spirit of solidarity, professionalism, and democratic values
      

1. Pluralism of views is recognized and respected as a strength of the Network.
    

1. These bylaws enter into force upon approval by the General Assembly.
    
2. Amendments may be proposed by any member organization and must be adopted by the General Assembly.
    
3. The working languages of the Network shall be determined by the General Assembly, with due consideration to inclusivity and institutional effectiveness.