European agencies have been set up in successive waves since the mid 1970s and today form an important part of the EU’s institutional landscape. Responding to needs identified by the EU and its Member States, they perform a variety of legal, technical and scientific tasks across a broad range of policy areas. In order to discuss over their future role in the European construction, experts and members from these organizations met in Brussels between 31 January and 3 February in the “EU Agencies: The way ahead” Exhibition.

The “EU Agencies: The way ahead” Exhibition has been coordinated by the Lisbon-based European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), which currently presides over the agencies’ Heads of Communication and Information Network (HCIN). It aimed to improve understanding of what EU agencies do, why they do exist, and how they impact on the lives of Europe’s 500 million citizens. It also expected to raise awareness among MEPs on the role of the agencies and how these bodies can support them in their daily work. Furthermore, as the European Parliament, Council and Commission work towards a common approach on agencies future work, the Exhibition has been the occasion for these organizations to take stock of how far they have come and how they see the way ahead.

The event was set-up with a single exhibition stand serving as the central point of a programme of varied activities. In this occasion 29 agencies were presenting their activities in four thematic clusters showing how they work between them as well as with European Parliament committees:

• Transport and satellite infrastructure
• Education, business and innovation for  growth and jobs
• Freedom, justice and security
• Health, safety and environment

Each agency is unique and fulfils an individual function. Together, EU Agencies provide information and advice, prepare and take decisions, oversee operations and support policymaking. While some develop know-how and expertise, others integrate different interest groups and facilitate dialogue at European and international level. The agencies also represent a significant presence across the Member States, their location helping to bring the EU closer to its citizens. Entrusting the agencies with specific tasks has become an established part of the way in which the EU now conducts its business.