Reduction of special needs support in mainstream schools – Infringement of European obligations and rights

Question for written answer E-004140/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikos Pappas (The Left)

The Greek Ministry of Education's recent circular on special needs support in mainstream schools raises serious concerns about the effective implementation of inclusive education, as it may undermine the quality and consistency of the support provided to pupils with recognised special educational needs. Similar challenges have been reported in other Member States, such as Ireland and Romania, where insufficient staff numbers and training make it difficult to ensure that all pupils have equal access to education.

The Council Recommendation on Pathways to School Success (2022) and Regulation (EU) 2021/817 on Erasmus+ underline the importance of mainstreaming and quality education, in the context of creating a fully functioning European Education Area. At the same time, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights enshrines the right of every person to education without discrimination.

Can the Commission say:

• 1.How does it intend to strengthen the implementation of inclusive education in the Member States, addressing issues such as the lack of qualified staff and the qualitative assessment of special needs support in mainstream schools?
• 2.Does it plan to develop a common European framework for monitoring progress, in line with the Council Recommendation on Pathways to School Success?

Submitted: 21.10.2025