European Disability Expertise

The European Commission initiated the European Disability Expertise (EDE) network in July 2020. The initial EDE contract ran from June 2020 until July 2023. Afterwards, a new contract was initiated in March 2024. This contract lasted 1 year, and was renewed for a further year. It may be renewed by a further year twice. This initiative is financed by the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme of the European Union.

Under this contract, as with the European network of academic experts in the field of disability (ANED), data on disability across the EU will be assessed.

The aim of EDE is to collect, analyse and provide independent scientific data and information relating to national policies and legislation, linked with provisions at EU level, as well as providing information about the situation of persons with disabilities. The project will draw upon the expertise of existing disability research centres, supported by national experts, thematic rapporteurs and links to relevant networks in the disability policy field.