ECNAIS is a non-political, non-confessional, international association for collaboration between national associations of independent schools in European countries.
lt was founded in 1988 and is registered as a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital under the English Companies Act (nº 2492855).
Its central office is at Ny Kongensgade 10, DK 1472 Copenhagen K, Denmark.

ECNAIS is recognized by the Council of Europe and the European Union Commission as a non-government organisation with consultavie status.

Its principal objects are:

• To bring together national associations of independent schools in European countries.

• To assist its members in promoting understanding of the rights of pluralism in the national systems,  of education and of parental choice of education for their  children and of the vital role of independent schools in a modern democratic society.

• To further the interests of all kinds of independent education, confessional and lay, whose principles conform to those set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

• When so requested, to make agreed representation to the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the European Union Commission and other international organisations on matters of joint concern.

To achieve these objects, ECNAIS takes the appropriate actions in accord with the respective needs and opportunities, and within the framework of the European Commission's and other Programmes, when possible.

Membership is open as of a right to any national association of independent schools whose statutes accord with the objectives set out above and whose members, whether subsidised or not by state funds, do not form part of the public sector of education.

Associate or corresponding membership is open to other national or international bodies or associations which share the same objectives.

The General Meeting is the supreme organ of the Association, while a Management Committee manages its affairs. The day-to-day conduct of the Association's business is the responsibility of the Officers: the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer.