ANIMA is currently an "Association 1901" under French law, with an international scope (cf downloadable articles of association).

This legal statute may evolve. The spirit of ANIMA is co-operative, with a vocation of sharing and equal access of all members to information and services – in exchange of memberships or specific "fees" paid for certain services. The assets of ANIMA (mainly immaterial) are thus capitalised to the benefit of the whole Mediterranean basin and territories (current and future members representing countries, regions, cities).

This statute of "Association 1901" however creates some problems, in particular the absence of social capital facilitating the operational operation of the structure (treasury etc.). It is thus planned to evolve as soon as possible to a statute of SCIC (Co-operative Company of Collective Interest) or SCOP (Co-operative Company of Production), under French law.

According to Wikipedia (French site), "a Co-operative Company of Collective Interest (SCIC) is a limited company (SA) or limited liability company (SARL), which associates around a project paid staff, beneficiaries (customers, users, residents, suppliers…), and contributors (associations, communities, etc....) to produce goods or services of collective interest to the benefit of a territory (geographical or sectoral). It functions according to co-operative principles, promotes collective values and has a social dimension. It is a co-operative and non-profit company of commercial form. SCIC registration is controlled by prefectoral decision. Its taxation is identical to that of a traditional company".

"A Co-operative Company of Production (SCOP) is, under French law, a commercial company, SA or limited liability company. Its originality holds in the fact that the employees-co-operators are associates, holding a majority of the company (at least 51 % of the capital and 65 % of the voting rights). Whatever the quantity of the capital held, each co-operator gets one voice in the general assembly of the company. This assembly, which takes place once a year, fixes the main objectives of the coming year to come and renews the mandate of the executives".