Autism-Europe held its Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Council of Administration (CA) on 10-11 May 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. The event was hosted by local member Diversamente ODV.
Highlights of the two meetings included the admission of new members to Autism-Europe and the selection of the host city of the International Congress 2028.
Many AE members arrived the day before the meetings to visit the Casa Saddi, a cultural centre housed in an historic building in the Pirri neighbourhood. There, members were treated to a theatre performance with an inclusive cast featuring autistic actors. The performance was a preview of a larger show organized under the SDIT project – “Self-Determination and Inclusion by Theatre”, in which Diversamente ODV and Autism-Europe are partners.
Looking back, planning ahead
On Saturday (10 May), the AGA adopted AE’s 2025 work programme and budget, as well as the report of activities from 2024. Aurelie Baranger, AE’s director, also presented updates on all the EU-funded projects AE currently is involved in.
AE staff gave a training session on advocating for the autism community at EU level. The training focused on the recent concluding observations of the UN CRPD committee and how they can be leveraged for further actions. Members also received an update on AE’s ‘Not invisible’ campaign and website and how to get involved.
In the afternoon, AE members discussed the organisation’s strategy for the coming years and how to make it easier for new members to find their footing within the group when they first join. They also heard a presentation from Sportelli Autismo Italia on how to better include autistic students and an update by Irish member AsIAm on this year’s International Congress, which will be held in Dublin on 11-13 September.
New members
In between these presentations, the AGA welcomed new members: Inovar Autismo (Portugal) as an affiliated member and Liberty Academy Trust (United Kingdom) as an associated member. (See the updated list of AE’s members here.)
The day closed with a networking session between members, during which they exchanged their work plans, key issues and proudest achievements.
APNABI selected to host 2028 congress in Bilbao
On Sunday (11 May), during the CA, members discussed how to appoint advisors to the organisation’s scientific ethics committee. But the main event of the day were the presentations by candidate cities to host AE’s International Congress in 2028. Teams from Sofia (Bulgaria), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Bilbao (Spain) each made their case and highlighted their plans for the event, using visuals and data to show off their location’s beauty and accessibility.
Considering the high quality of the three applications, members faced a difficult decision. In the end, they chose Bilbao in a secret ballot to host the expected 2,000-3,000 visitors to the International Congress in 2028.
AE wants to warmly thank our members for participating in the meetings in person and online, and for their continuous efforts working for the rights of autistic people across Europe.