1. LEGAL STATUS & IMPRESSUM

Organization Name: ECATS International Association (AISBL – Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif)

Legal Form: Non-profit International Association incorporated under the Law of Belgium

Enterprise Number: 0831.300.490

Registered Seat: Rue du Trône 98, 1050 Brussels, Belgium

Secretariat Office: DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

Main Objective: Promoting and supporting joint research activities in the field of aviation & environmental impact to foster sustainable aviation.

Governing Organs: Executive Board & General Assembly

Contact Email: info@ecats-network.eu

2. TERMS & CONDITIONS OF USE

Acceptance: By accessing and using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by these terms.

Intellectual Property: All scientific publications, reports, articles, logos, graphics, and materials published on this website are the property of ECATS International Association or its Members, unless stated otherwise.

Permitted Use: Content may be consulted, downloaded, and cited strictly for personal, educational, or non-commercial research purposes, provided proper attribution/citation is given to ECATS.

Limitation of Liability: While ECATS strives to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on this website, it accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or the content of external links.

Governing Law: These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with Belgian Law. Any disputes shall be submitted to the competent courts of Brussels, Belgium.

3. PRIVACY POLICY (GDPR COMPLIANT)

Data Controller: ECATS International Association (AISBL), Rue du Trône 98, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. No Data Protection Officer has been appointed; data protection matters are handled by the secretariat.

Personal Data Collected: We collect personal information (such as name, institutional email address, organization) only when voluntarily provided by users via contact forms, event registrations, or newsletter sign-ups.

Purpose of Processing: Collected data is used strictly for association management, newsletter distribution, organizing General Assembly/workshop events, and scientific committee communications.

Legal Basis for Processing: Newsletter distribution and analytics cookies are processed on the basis of your consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)), which you may withdraw at any time. Association management, event organization and scientific committee communications are processed on the basis of the legitimate interests of the association in pursuing its non-profit scientific objectives (GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)), or, where applicable, for the performance of a contract or membership relationship (GDPR Art. 6(1)(b)).

Data Retention: Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. Newsletter subscription data is kept until you unsubscribe. Event registration data is kept for up to three years after the event for reporting and follow-up purposes. Membership and association management records are kept for the duration of the membership and for the period required by Belgian law thereafter. Contact form messages are deleted once the enquiry has been resolved.

Non-Disclosure: Personal data is handled with strict confidentiality. ECATS will never sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for commercial or marketing purposes.

Your Rights: Under EU GDPR, you have the right to access, rectify, restrict, or request the deletion of your personal data at any time, as well as the right to data portability and the right to object to processing. To exercise your rights, please contact the secretariat at info@ecats-network.eu. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority (APD/GBA).

4. COOKIE POLICY

Strictly Necessary Cookies: Used for basic website operation, session management, and secure login areas for members. These cookies are required for the website to function and are set without consent.

Performance & Analytics Cookies: Used in anonymized form to monitor website traffic, analyze usage patterns, and improve visitor experience. These cookies are set only after you have given your consent through the cookie banner. Analytics provider: [to be completed by ECATS – e.g. Google Analytics / Matomo], with data processed [inside / outside] the European Economic Area.

Consent: On your first visit, a cookie banner allows you to accept or refuse non-essential cookies. You may change or withdraw your choice at any time via the cookie settings link in the website footer.

Managing Cookies: You can control, restrict, or block cookies at any time through your web browser settings.