Status & Legal Framework

A legally recognized and autonomous structure

The FLAME European Centre for the Safeguarding of Living Heritage operates as a non-profit legal entity under Belgian law, ensuring both legal personality and functional autonomy in line with the UNESCO Strategy for Category 2 Centres (40 C/79, 2019).
This framework provides a solid foundation for transparent governance, financial accountability, and international cooperation.
Established as a non-profit association (vzw/asbl) on 28 March 2024, FLAME transitioned to the status of an international non-profit association (AISBL) in 2025, enabling it to act as a regional and international platform for collaboration in the field of living heritage.