ENSA is a network of cities and European Regions that has the aim of promoting international cooperation in the social field.

Background

ENSA was established by the Veneto Region in 1999. Since then the network has developed and supported solid partnerships between a wide range of European Regions and has carried out seminars, conferences, study visit programmes and exchanges of operators .
The co-operation between partners has brought about the opportunity to carry out several projects financed by the European Commission. ENSA represents an excellent opportunity for local and Regional Authorities to participate actively in European policy making and programmes.
Collaborating with ENSA is a way to increase the dialogue with the European institutions and to become part of an international platform to implement shared projects.

Aims

- to encourage international co-operation, mutual learning, exchange of know-how, of cultural   models and of experience in the social sector;
- to deepen the dialogue concerning social policies with the European Institutions;
- to participate in innovative European projects;
- to facilitate the involvement of new network members, particularly from EU new member   countries.

Organisation. The thematic networks

The network organises its work in five subject areas of intervention. Each has its own “thematic network”: elderly, youth, child issues, disability and social inclusion. The thematic networks work in an independent way according to the wishes and needs of members and in order to carry out activities in line with EU policies.
It is in the thematic networks that ENSA’s practical work is done. Members will plan and undertake study visits, exchange programmes, joint and shared projects and special events.

ENSA has no legal status but is underpinned by a democratic and flexible Heads of Agreements document which outlines the objectives of the network and the members competencies.
Members have to participate actively in at least one thematic network and their membership has to be ratified by the General Assembly that is held on an annual basis.

The General Assembly has the following roles:

- to appoint the General Coordinator and the thematic network coordinators;
- to work out a yearly programme defining its priorities;
- to ratify new memberships;
- to approve the establishment of new thematic networks.

The General Coordination of ENSA is presently carried out by the Veneto Region.
The network’s working language is English.