ABSTRACT
The individual fulfils his personality not only as part of a family, but also as a member of groups based not on relatedness but on other common links, such as occupational interests (professional associations), religious interests (religious associations), political interests (parties), trade unionism, civil rights interests (movements promoting the rights of women, disabled people, homosexuals, consumers, etc), artistic and cultural interests (theatre and film groups, scientific associations) and, especially, economic interests (commercial companies). In general, freedom of association is guaranteed (Art 18 of the Constitution); in some cases it may be obligatory, such as belonging to the relevant professional body if one wishes to exercise a profession such as doctor, lawyer, architect, engineer or accountant.
