Regionalisation and decentralisation of education and the autonomy of schools

The European Union has designated 2007 as 'European Year of Equal Opportunities for All' as part of a concerted effort to promote equality and non-discrimination in the EU. At the same time, the Portuguese government is decentralising education. Municipalities will become responsible for several areas of utmost importance. Other European countries have experience in this field.

The Conference aims to compare the policies and the legislative frameworks that several countries have developed and implemented to ensure equal opportunities in education, in a context of decentralized education.Key activities are individual country reports, and a final comparative report.

The soundness of the legislation will be diagnosed taking into account the four themes of the European Year proposed by the European Commission. Reports of high-level experts will be presented at the conference. The sessions will include discussions by top decision-makers at municipal and ministerial levels in addition to high level officials from European and international organizations.

Informal sessions will allow participants to exchange information and generate ideas, opinions and initiatives about the implementation of the right to education and rights in education.