Zollergasse 15/2
1070 Wien
Austria
- Democracy and community development
- Human rights
General Information EHE OHNE GRENZEN (EOG) (Marriage without Borders) is a "Verein" (non-governmental and non-profit association) fighting against regulations which inhibit a joint family life. The initiative considers itself an exchange and information/counseling platform for bi-national families and partnerships; a platform which keeps growing in knowledge, commitment, and experience through its members. Structure/Board The board is working voluntarily and consists of six members (1. chairwoman, 2. chairwoman, secretary, cashier and accountant). Furthermore there are consultants. All of them work voluntary as well. There is one part time employee. The association can be joined in form of a membership. The association funds itself by donations. Partners for exchange and networking are associations and campaigns with similar focus in Austria and Europe (e.g. SOS Mitmensch, Helping Hands, Peregrina, Fibel, Asfamix, Les Amoureux au pan public, Aegteskabudengraenser, Verband-Binationaler, ECB-Plattform etc.) Sources of funding Donations, Membership fees; Budgetary resources 2014 € 1853,63
EHE OHNE GRENZEN (EOG) is the direct response to the Alien Rights Bill ("Fremdenrechtspaket") which has massively infringed upon the quality of life of bi-national couples since its enactment on January 1st, 2006. Marriage no longer warrants the right to residence or the right to a joint family life. Furthermore marriage no longer provides access to the job market. At the same time bi-national couples are confronted with a range of stereotypes and prejudices. The initiative’s main objective is equal rights for bi-national couples - married or living in a joint household. People from all ways of life, with various professional backgrounds and from many different nations via their activities are making visible to the general public that their desire and capability to live in Austria as an integral part of Austrian society is very real.
Main Projects / Activities • Consulting and Information • Networking and Exchange • Awareness Raising: Equal rights for bi-national couples as a mission; Modalities of Action Consulting Days, Networking and Exchange (ECB-Conference), Crew Training, Awareness Raising Actions, Scholarships, Report on the Situation of binational Couples and Families in Austria and more.
The work of the association reflects and deals with the diversity of families living in Austria. EOG supports families with the wish to settle in Austria by offering orienting information and true-to-life advice in the field of family life, family reunification, the national alien bill, settlement and citizenship. EOG promotes a modern family picture and wants to improve mutual understanding in the society. It therefore supports the people of concern and their role as equal members of society. Through personal experience the members of EOG have become experts in the area of the very complex Alien Bill and are establishing a set of ‘best practice’ strategies in dealing with the discrimination on behalf of authorities. The initiative is very much a 'group in process’ and acts in a dynamic and innovative fashion. Members contribute their skills, strengths, and interests at the regular meetings thereby initiating and developing activities for the general public. With this expertise and its many years of experience EOG can contribute to the Austrian network and the Anna Lindh Foundation.
The initiative considers itself an exchange platform for bi-national families and partnerships; a platform which keeps growing in knowledge, commitment, and experience through its members. Right from the start EHE OHNE GRENZEN established alliances and started networking with various NGOs and human rights organizations. EHE OHNE GRENZEN wants to increase its networking and exchange activities in the future to improve its role as an exchange platform, especially in the field of residence and settlement rights. A membership in the ALF Network would support that goal strongly. EHE OHNE GRENZEN shares the values of the foundation and wants to support the task to overcome existing misunderstandings and stereotypes which affect relations between and within societies. The promotion of diversity and peaceful coexistence, the deconstruction of prejudices and the encouragement of mutual understanding within societies are not just overall aims of the association; those are the life attitudes and goals of its members.