The Agency recognised at EU level

Odense, Denmark

March 2007

The European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education recognised at EU Level

The Action Programme detailing the measures the European Union will take between 2007 and 2013 in the field of education has just been endorsed. It provides clear support for the European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education. 

The EU Action Programme supports six institutions via the Jean Monnet action. One of these organisations is the European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education (the Agency). 

The Agency works as a European network, with representatives at political and professional levels in 28 countries. It aims to provide a platform for professionals and decision-makers in the field of special needs education in Europe. It is an independent organisation, supported by both national Ministries of Education and the European Institutions. The Agency is managed collectively by all of its country representatives. 

With its support to the Agency through the new Action Programme, the European Union is clearly highlighting special needs education in Europe as a priority case. Provision for learners with special needs and in particular, promoting their full participation within mainstream education and training is in fact one of the horizontal policies of the EU. 

This recognition for the Agency from the EU level comes at the very moment the Agency celebrates its 10th anniversary. During 2007, a number of activities are planned to mark the anniversary. A special issue of the Agency newsletter EuroNews will be dedicated to the Agency’s ten years of operations. A colourful poster and postcards will also be printed for this occasion, using children’s artwork. Finally, for the whole year, a banner will mark the celebrations on the Agency website: www.european-agency.org.

For more information, please contact the Agency Secretariat: secretariat@european-agency.org