The operating grant, amounting to 110 000 euro for 2008 and the same figure for next year, will be used to cover costs necessary for the proper conduct of the normal and permanent activities of the organisation (personnel costs, travelling and accommodation, internal meetings, publications, information and dissemination, etc).

In addition to the much-needed financial support, the agreement between EPC and the Commission is significant in that it marks the beginning of a partnership between the two. The Commission will become one of EPC's key partners, joining the committee in seeking to achieve its goal: improving the living conditions of people with disabilities in Europe through sport.

The agreement benefits not only the 27 European Union member countries that are also EPC members, but the entire EPC membership as the support will boost the development of the Paralympic movement in the whole of Europe.