History of ESCIF

In the autumn of 2005, the organizations representing people living with a spinal cord injury in the different countries in Europe were offered a very special opportunity - to meet in Nottwil, Switzerland, in order to discuss the foundation of a pan-European federation.

The idea, in itself, was not new: some networks were already in place and had been for several years. But this was the first time that the initiative to actually gather as many organizations as possible had been taken.

It came as no surprise that the organizations from the 12 European countries who attended the initial meeting were unanimous in the decision to found a federation - a federation that could and should include all countries throughout Europe.

In spring 2006 the organisations met again in Nottwil - this time 16 countries were represented - to attend the founding assembly of the European Spinal Cord Injury Federation. At this meeting the Statutes of the federation were approved by the delegates, the members of the first Executive Board were elected and the work of ESCIF could begin in earnest.

Today we represent 33 national organisations from 28 European countries.