The European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (EASNIE) is an organisation that works to help countries across Europe improve their inclusive policy and practice in inclusive education.Council for Disabled Children. "Working with the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education". Published in January 2, 2023. Accessed August 13, 2024 It was established in 1996 and is based in Odense, Denmark with an office in Brussels, Belgium.
Members EASNIE has 32 member countries, covering 37 jurisdictions:UNESCO. "Reflections on the journey towards inclusion in education in European countries; background paper." Page 2. Published in December 2022. Accessed August 13, 2024.Right to Connect Network. "Literature Review: The challenges of digital literacy and social media usage of persons with intellectual disabilities." Page 88. Published in January 2023. Accessed August 13, 2024. Austria, Belgium (Flemish, French and German communities), Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales).
Membership is not limited to European Union countries.
History Initially named the ‘European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education’, EASNIE was founded with 15 member countries.Csányi, Y. (2004). "Experience of Transforming Education Provision for Children with Disabilities in Central European Countries." ELTE University, Budapest; European Committee; Ministry of Children and Youth and Sports; Ministry of Education Report. Accessed August 13, 2024. It was established at the end of the European Commission’s Helios II programme in April 1996"European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education - Global Civil Society Database." Union of International Associations (UIA). Accessed August 13, 2024, and aimed to provide a permanent framework for European collaboration in special needs and inclusive education. In 1999, EASNIE opened a liaison office in Brussels to enhance its co-operation with European Union institutions.
In 2014, EASNIE adopted its current name, the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, to better reflect its evolving focus. Its work has been referenced in various European Union documents, including the 2018 Recommendation on promoting common values and inclusive education, and the European dimension of teaching,European Union. (2017). "Council Conclusions of 8 December 2017 on the Role of Education and Training in Supporting the Implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights." Official Journal of the European Union. Accessed August 13, 2024. the 2019 Recommendation on High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Systems European Union. (2018). "Council Recommendation of 7 June 2018 on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning." Official Journal of the European Union. Accessed August 13, 2024. and the 2021 Council Conclusions on Equity and Inclusion in Education and Training,European Union. (2021). " Council conclusions on equity and inclusion in education and training in order to promote educational success for all 2021/C 221/02." Official Journal of the European Union. Accessed 30 January 2025. which urged member states to 'make use of' EASNIE resources.
In 2021, EASNIE marked its 25th anniversary,European Commission. "Erasmus+ Programme: 2023 Call for Proposals." Accessed August 13, 2024. and in 2024, announced the appointment of Dr João Costa as the new director from 1 January 2025, succeeding Dr Cor J. W. Meijer."Ex-ministro João Costa vai liderar Agência Europeia para a Educação Inclusiva." Público, July 18, 2024. Accessed August 13, 2024.
In 2026, EASNIE marked its 30th anniversary with a high-level event in Brussels, introducing the Ten Pillars Shaping the Future of Inclusive Education, a framework presenting ten priorities for the development of inclusive, equitable and participatory education systems. As part of the anniversary programme, it also launched Inclusion Talks, a webinar series on key themes of inclusive education.
Activities EASNIE focuses on ensuring the right to inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for every learner, particularly those who are vulnerable to exclusion and segregation, including learners traditionally referred to as having special educational needs or disabilities.“2023 Work Programme for the Technical Support Instrument under Regulation (EU) 2021/240 of the European Parliament and of the Council – Annex.” European Commission (p. 56). EASNIE conducts activities, provides policy guidance and recommendations to assist member countries in implementing inclusive education practices, in collaboration with international organisations such as the OECD and UNESCO.
EASNIE work encompasses areas such as early childhood intervention, assessment in inclusive settings, vocational training and teacher education. It also addresses the role of ICT in education, information accessibility and data collection, providing opportunities for sharing different types of knowledge and experiencesDonnelly, V. (2015). “Research to inform policy-makers and advocates”. Enabling Education Review – Special Issue 2015 – Inclusive Education Advocacy. Accessed August 13, 2024 in the area of inclusive education. It operates under annual and multi-annual work programmes that are developed in consultation with its member countries and provide them with evidence-based information, tools and recommendations intended to aid in policy planning, review and implementation.
EASNIE activities are financed by the ministries of education in its member countries and by the European Commission via the EU Erasmus+ education programme.
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