Italy decrees limits on non-Italian speakers and veils in school classrooms
The European Commission is closely examining Italy's new decree-law restricting foreign pupils in classrooms, citing EU treaty prohibitions against direct and indirect discrimination. Vice President Roxana Mînzatu confirmed the scrutiny in response to a parliamentary question from Democratic Party lawmakers. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government enacted Decree-Law 170/2026 on October 1, 2026, establishing a 30 percent cap on non-Italian speaking students in first-year classes. The emergency decree also bans burqas and niqabs in schools and requires language lessons for parents of struggling foreign students. The Italian Parliament has a 60-day window to convert the measure into permanent law.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ The European Commission stated on Tuesday that it is scrutinizing Italy's 30 percent cap on foreign pupils with serious Italian-language difficulties.
- ✓ Vice President Roxana Mînzatu responded to an inquiry from Democratic Party lawmakers, noting that EU treaties prohibit direct and indirect discrimination.
What changed
The European Commission announced it is actively scrutinizing the Italian government's new foreign pupil cap following an inquiry by Democratic Party representatives.
Live updates
-
EU Scrutinizes Italy Decree Capping Foreign Students
The European Commission is closely examining Italy's new decree-law restricting foreign pupils in classrooms, citing EU treaty prohibitions against direct and indirect discrimination. Vice President Roxana Mînzatu confirmed the scrutiny in response to a parliamentary question from Democratic Party lawmakers. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government enacted Decree-Law 170/2026 on October 1, 2026, establishing a 30 percent cap on non-Italian speaking students in first-year classes. The emergency decree also bans burqas and niqabs in schools and requires language lessons for parents of struggling foreign students. The Italian Parliament has a 60-day window to convert the measure into permanent law.
Why it matters
The European Union's intervention highlights escalating friction between Brussels and Rome over integration policies and fundamental rights. Treaty rules prohibit both direct and indirect discrimination, placing the 30 percent cap under intense legal and political review. Italian opposition politicians argue that Brussels has effectively rejected the government's education strategy.
What is confirmed
- The European Commission stated on Tuesday that it is scrutinizing Italy's 30 percent cap on foreign pupils with serious Italian-language difficulties.
- Vice President Roxana Mînzatu responded to an inquiry from Democratic Party lawmakers, noting that EU treaties prohibit direct and indirect discrimination.
Still unconfirmed
- Democratic Party politician Zingaretti asserted that Europe has rejected the Italian government over the school decree.
What to watch next
- Formal European Commission findings or infringement proceedings regarding Italian Decree-Law 170/2026
- Italian parliamentary debates and votes to convert the emergency decree into permanent statute within the 60-day window
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.ansa.it — EU says it will scrutinize Italian govt's cap on foreign pupils
- www.eunews.it — EU Commission’s reservations about the cap on the number of ...
- lespresso.it — Tetto agli alunni stranieri, la Commissione Ue: "I trattati ...
- www.repubblica.it — Tetto agli studenti stranieri a scuola, la Ue: “I trattati ...
- tg24.sky.it — Scuola, tetto per gli studenti stranieri. Il monito dall'Ue ...
-
Italy Imposes School Cap on Non-Italian Speakers and Face Veils
The Italian government enacted Decree-Law 170/2026 on October 1, 2026, introducing strict educational rules including a 30 percent cap on non-Italian speaking students in first-year classrooms. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's decree also explicitly bans burqas and niqabs in schools to enforce security, identification, and gender equality. Additionally, the legislation mandates Italian language lessons for parents of struggling foreign students. The Italian Parliament faces a 60-day window to convert the emergency decree into a permanent statute.
Why it matters
The newly enacted decree addresses integration and plurilingualism within Italy's pluralistic society. Minister Valditara stated that the 30 percent limit impacts a very small fraction of national classrooms, specifically 0.13 percent. Implementation of the student cap is scheduled for the 2027/2028 school year.
What is confirmed
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government introduced Decreto Scuola 2026, officially designated as Decree-Law 170/2026.
- The decree entered into effect on October 1, 2026.
- The Italian Parliament must convert the decree into a permanent statute within 60 days.
- The legislation bans burqas and niqabs in Italian schools to guarantee security, identifyability, and gender equality.
What to watch next
- Parliamentary votes to convert Decree-Law 170/2026 into a permanent statute within the 60-day deadline
- Further administrative guidelines on enforcing the 30 percent student cap ahead of the 2027/2028 school year
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.wionews.com — Italy News - Latest Italy News, Breaking Italy News ... - WION
- www.lonelyplanet.com — Italy Travel 2026 - Lonely Planet | Europe
- unipd-centrodirittiumani.it — A decree-law introduces limits on foreign pupils and face ...
- 4liberty.eu — Integration or Exclusion? Meloni’s New School Decree and ...
- orizzonteinsegnanti.it — Divieto di velo integrale nelle scuole: il nuovo quadro ...
- lopinione.com — Decreto Scuola, il 30% non basta: le lingue non si governano ...
-
Italy limits non-Italian speakers and veils in school classrooms
Italy's government has introduced a decree limiting non-Italian speaking students to 30% in first-year elementary, middle, and high school classrooms starting in the 2027/2028 school year. The policy also bans burqas and niqabs in schools, requiring students to attend with faces uncovered. Italian lessons will be mandated for parents of struggling foreign students. The 30% cap will affect only 0.13% of national classrooms, according to Minister Valditara.
Why it matters
The new policy aims to promote integration and counter cultural separatism linked to Islam. Non-Italian students currently represent 11.6% of the total school population. The decree is part of a broader effort to regulate immigration and cultural diversity in Italy.
What is confirmed
- Italy's Minister of Education Giuseppe Valditara approved a decree on September 24 limiting non-Italian speaking students to 30% in first-year elementary, middle, and high school classrooms starting in the 2027/2028 school year.
- The 30% cap will affect only 0.13% of national classrooms.
- Non-Italian students currently represent 11.6% of the total school population.
- Italy's government proposes a law banning burqas and niqabs in public to counter cultural separatism linked to Islam.
Still unconfirmed
- The bill banning face coverings in public places may risk penalising Carnival and motorcyclists.
What to watch next
- The implementation of the 30% cap on foreign students in classrooms
- The approval of the law banning burqas and niqabs in public
- The reaction of other Italian regions to the decree
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- cde.news — New Italian bill targets Islamic face coverings and religious ...
- www.latimes.com — U.S. stocks hover near their latest record in mixed trading on Wall Street
- www.ilcittadinopescia.it — LA TOSCANA DICE NO al tetto del 30% per studenti stranieri ...
- www.ilfoglio.it — In a bid to tackle the burqa, Kelany’s (FdI) bill bans all ...
-
Italy implements classroom caps for non-Italian speakers and bans face veils
Minister of Education Giuseppe Valditara approved a decree on September 24 that limits non-Italian speaking students to 30% in first-year elementary, middle, and high school classrooms starting in the 2027/2028 school year. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also banned burqas and niqabs in schools, stating students must attend with faces uncovered to protect integration. The policy mandates Italian lessons for parents of struggling foreign students. Minister Valditara claims the 30% cap will affect only 0.13% of national classrooms. Non-Italian students currently represent 11.6% of the total school population.
Why it matters
The measures arrive as Prime Minister Meloni faces pressure from a further-right rival party ahead of the 2027 elections. These rules build on Decree-Law 170/2026 to enforce linguistic and cultural integration. Advocacy groups and protesters continue to oppose the pupil caps.
What is confirmed
- The 30% limit for foreign students in first-year elementary, middle, and high school classes takes effect in the 2027/2028 school year.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni banned the use of burqas and niqabs in schools.
- Non-Italian students comprise 11.6% of the school population in Italy.
- Minister Giuseppe Valditara approved the school decree on September 24.
Still unconfirmed
- The 30% cap on non-Italian speaking students will impact 0.13% of national classrooms.
- Mandatory Italian lessons are required for parents of struggling foreign students.
What to watch next
- Implementation of teacher hiring for Italian L2 to address reported shortages
- Legal challenges from advocacy groups regarding the pupil cap
- Election results of the 2027 general election
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- catania.liveuniversity.it — Decreto scuola, c’è un grande paradosso: italiano per ...
- www.wionews.com — Italy moves to ban face veils in schools as Meloni ... - WION
- orizzonteinsegnanti.it — Il tetto del 30% per gli alunni stranieri nelle classi ...
- www.rainews.it — Scuola, cortei contro 'tetto' stranieri - RaiNews
-
Italy implements classroom caps for non-Italian speakers and bans face veils
The Italian government enacted Decree-Law 170/2026, which limits non-Italian speaking foreign pupils to 30% per classroom and prohibits students from covering their faces in class. The law imposes new obligations on foreign parents and establishes sanctions for provincial adult education centers. While a Delphi Observatory survey shows 54% support for the classroom cap, respondents expressed doubt regarding its effectiveness. The policy aims to promote integration through mandatory language lessons, though advocacy groups like Save the Children have called for the removal of the pupil cap and the reporting of parents with language barriers to social services.
Why it matters
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni introduced these measures to balance integration with strict rule enforcement. The legislation arrives amid accusations that the government is targeting the far-right National Future party before upcoming elections. Requirements for the pupil cap vary across primary, middle, and high schools.
What is confirmed
- Decree-Law 170/2026 sets a 30% limit on non-Italian speaking foreign pupils per classroom.
- The law prohibits students from covering their faces in the classroom.
- A Delphi Observatory survey found 54% favor the foreign student cap, though many doubt its effectiveness.
- The legislation includes new obligations for foreign parents and sanctions for provincial adult education centers.
Still unconfirmed
- The policy targets the rival far-right party National Future ahead of elections.
- The pupil cap will only impact a limited number of classrooms nationwide.
What to watch next
- Government response to Save the Children's request to scrap the pupil cap
- Implementation dates for specific school levels in the 2026-2027 term
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- orizzonteinsegnanti.it — Integrazione scolastica e nuovi vincoli: il Decreto-Legge 170 ...
- www.europesays.com — Italy’s ban on veils in schools could be preview of future ...
- www.civonline.it — Limite del 30% nelle classi: cosa prevede la misura e chi ...
- lavalledeitempli.net — DL Scuola: Save the Children, stralciare norma su tetto agli ...
- www.vocedellascuola.it — Scuola, tetto agli stranieri: sì dal 54%, efficacia dubbia
- www.newsistruzione.it — Tetto stranieri scuola: 54% favorevole ma efficacia dubbia
-
Italy Approves Decree Limiting Foreign Pupils and School Veils
Italy's cabinet approved decree-law 170/2026 on Thursday, enforcing a thirty percent cap on non-Italian speaking foreign pupils per classroom and prohibiting burqas and niqabs in schools. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended the legislation as a measure to promote integration while maintaining rules, following announcements made at a party youth event. The policy also mandates language lessons through provincial adult education centers. Critics and experts previously argued the policy targets a rival far-right party named National Future ahead of upcoming elections, while impacting a limited number of classrooms nationwide.
Why it matters
The decree exposes a wider debate across Europe regarding assimilation policies and the risk of parallel societies. Minister Valditara intervened on classrooms exceeding the threshold, such as those in Prato. Experts and analysts project the foreign pupil limit will affect a fraction of classrooms nationwide.
What is confirmed
- Italy's government approved a decree Thursday capping the share of foreign pupils in classrooms at thirty percent and banning burqas and niqabs from schools.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the policy as a step toward a school system that integrates without abandoning rules.
- The new schools decree mandates language lessons and limits foreign-born pupils per classroom.
Still unconfirmed
- Opponents cast the legislation as an attempt to blunt a rival far-right party called National Future ahead of upcoming elections.
What to watch next
- Implementation of language lessons through CPIA
- Enforcement and penalties under decree-law 170/2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year
- Political responses from rival parties including National Future
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- cde.news — Cabinet Approves Contested School Decree as Italy Confronts ...
- www.thedailystar.net — Italy to ban veils in schools: Meloni | The Daily Star
- orizzonteinsegnanti.it — Divieto di niqab e burqa nelle scuole: il nuovo decreto-legge ...
- www.foxnews.com — Italy's Schools Decree sparks wider debate over European ...
- www.lascuolafanotizia.it — Decreto Scuola 170/2026: il tetto del 30% per alunni ...
- ameve.eu — Scuola: il decreto 170 per lo 0,13% delle classi con ...
-
Italy Imposes School Limits on Non-Italian Speakers and Veils
Italian President Sergio Mattarella signed a government decree enforcing a ban on face coverings in schools and capping foreign pupils at thirty percent per classroom. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defends the policy as a common sense measure to improve integration, prevent ghetto classes, and grant equal opportunities. Critics argue the legislation attempts to counter a rival far-right party called National Future ahead of upcoming elections. While experts and a Reuters analysis project the foreign pupil limit will affect at most a few hundred children nationwide, the face covering ban has already come into force.
Why it matters
The Italian Republic is divided into twenty administrative regions, five of which hold autonomous status under the constitution. The country has a population of 59.0M, with Rome serving as its capital. Education policies enacted by the central government apply across these administrative divisions.
What is confirmed
- President Sergio Mattarella signed a government decree enforcing a ban on face coverings in all Italian schools and capping foreign pupils at 30 percent per classroom.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defends the policy as a common sense measure to improve integration, prevent ghetto classes, and grant equal opportunities.
- The face covering ban has already come into force.
- The Italian Republic has a population of 59.0M and Rome as its capital.
- There are twenty regions of Italy, five of which are autonomous regions with special status.
Still unconfirmed
- Critics contend the legislation attempts to counter a rival far-right party called National Future ahead of upcoming elections.
- Experts and a Reuters analysis project the foreign pupil limit will affect at most a few hundred children nationwide.
What to watch next
- Implementation of the face covering ban in schools nationwide
- Further responses from political parties including National Future regarding the upcoming elections
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.wral.com — Politics News and Reporting Coverage, page 18 | WRAL
- www.wral.com — AP Education News and Reporting Coverage, page 2 | WRAL
- en.wikipedia.org — Regions of Italy - Wikipedia
- www.countryreports.org — Italy — Facts, Capital, Population, Flag & Profile |...
- travellemming.com — The 35 Best Places to Visit in Italy - Travel Lemming
-
Italy Enforces Classroom Veil Ban and Foreign Pupil Cap
President Sergio Mattarella signed a government decree enforcing a ban on face coverings in all Italian schools and capping foreign pupils at 30 percent per classroom. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defends the policy as a common sense measure to improve integration, prevent ghetto classes, and grant equal opportunities. Critics contend the legislation attempts to counter a rival far-right party called National Future ahead of upcoming elections. While experts and a Reuters analysis project the foreign pupil limit will affect at most a few hundred children nationwide, the face covering ban has already come into force.
Why it matters
The Italian government operates as a democratic republic within the European Union, G7, and G20, holding the eighth largest gross domestic product globally. Sergio Mattarella serves as the country's president, while Giorgia Meloni holds the position of prime minister. These executive actions directly impact public education administration across the Italian Republic.
What is confirmed
- President Sergio Mattarella signed a government decree enforcing a ban on face coverings in all Italian schools and capping foreign pupils at 30 percent per classroom.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defends the policy as a common sense measure to improve integration, prevent ghetto classes, and grant equal opportunities.
- Italy is a democratic republic, a founding member of the European Union, and a member of the G7 and G20.
Still unconfirmed
- Critics contend the legislation attempts to counter a rival far-right party called National Future ahead of upcoming elections.
What to watch next
- Implementation outcomes of the face covering ban in Italian schools
- Classroom placement adjustments resulting from the 30 percent foreign pupil cap
- Political responses from rival parties such as National Future ahead of upcoming elections
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- simple.wikipedia.org — Italy - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- www.pewresearch.org — Religion Weekly Update, Sept. 30, 2026 | Pew Research Center
-
Italy Imposes School Veil Ban and Foreign Pupil Caps
President Sergio Mattarella signed a government decree enforcing a ban on face coverings in all Italian schools and capping foreign pupils at 30 percent per classroom. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defends the policy as a common sense measure to improve integration, prevent ghetto classes, and grant equal opportunities. Critics contend the legislation attempts to counter a rival far-right party called National Future ahead of upcoming elections. While experts and a Reuters analysis project the foreign pupil limit will affect at most a few hundred children nationwide, the face covering ban has already come into force.
Why it matters
The right-wing cabinet approved the legislation to prioritize language acquisition and overhaul classroom demographics. Opposition politicians strongly criticize the measures. The wider restrictions on non-Italian speakers are scheduled to take full effect starting with the 2027-28 academic year.
What is confirmed
- Italian President Sergio Mattarella signed a government decree on Thursday allowing for a ban on face coverings in schools and a cap on foreign pupils.
- A ban on face coverings has come into force at all schools in Italy.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing cabinet passed a decree setting a ceiling of 30 percent of foreign pupils per classroom.
- New rules to limit the number of foreign pupils in Italian classrooms are set to affect at most just a few hundred children nationwide, according to experts and a Reuters analysis of public data.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the decree a common sense measure to support integration, avoid ghetto classes and give all students the same opportunities.
- The newly approved rules to limit foreign pupils in classrooms are slated to take effect from the 2027-28 academic year.
Still unconfirmed
- Critics stated the decree moves were an attempt to counter the growing appeal of a rival far-right party called National Future ahead of elections due next year.
What to watch next
- Implementation of the 30 percent foreign pupil cap ahead of the 2027-28 academic year.
- Political reactions and potential legal challenges from opposition politicians regarding the face covering ban and classroom quotas.
- Electoral impacts involving the rival far-right party National Future ahead of elections due next year.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.straitstimes.com — Italy decree limiting foreign pupils in classrooms could have ...
- www.yahoo.com — Italy introduces burqa ban, language quota in schools
- www.infomigrants.net — Italy: President signs decree introducing a ban on face ...
- www.europesays.com — Italy decree limiting foreign pupils in classrooms could have ...
- www.thestar.com.my — Italy decree limiting foreign pupils in classrooms could have ...
-
Italy Approves Decree Capping Non-Fluent Pupils and Veils
Italy's cabinet approved a government decree on Thursday restricting students with limited Italian language skills to a maximum of 30 percent in any single classroom. The legislation also bans full-face Islamic veils, including the burqa and niqab, inside educational facilities. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration states the measure aims to improve integration by prioritizing language acquisition. The newly approved rules are slated to take effect from the 2027-28 academic year, while the decree faces criticism from opposition politicians.
Why it matters
The government decree targets integration and language acquisition within the public school system by restricting the proportion of non-fluent speakers per classroom. This legislative push has drawn immediate pushback from political opponents who argue the policies politicize immigration. Critics also warn that the restrictions could force children to attend distant schools outside their local neighborhoods.
What is confirmed
- Italy's cabinet passed a government decree on Thursday capping students with limited Italian language skills at 30 percent per classroom.
- The legislation bans full-face Islamic veils, specifically the burqa and niqab, inside educational facilities.
- The classroom restrictions on foreign students are scheduled to apply starting from the 2027-28 academic year.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's conservative administration stated the measure intends to prioritize language acquisition and integration.
Still unconfirmed
- The measure requires parliamentary ratification within 60 days.
- Opponents argue the regulations could force children to attend distant schools away from their neighborhoods.
What to watch next
- Whether the Italian parliament ratifies the decree within the 60-day window
- Further political debate and opposition challenges regarding the implementation of the classroom caps and veil bans
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.infomigrants.net — Italy to ban burqa in schools, limit foreign pupils
- lawstreet.co — Italy Approves Decree Banning Burqa and Niqab in Schools ...
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Italy govt decrees limits on non-Italian speakers and veils in school classrooms
- ny1.com — 15 mph speed limits coming to all eligible school zones across city, mayor says
- www.europesays.com — Italy approves limits on non-Italian speakers and veils in ...
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Students made to take ‘agni pariksha’ on theft suspicion, suffer burns in Madhya Pradesh
-
Italy Limits Non-Italian Speakers and Veils in Schools
Italy passed a government decree on Thursday to restrict students with limited Italian language skills to a maximum of 30 percent in any single classroom. Premier Giorgia Meloni's conservative administration stated the measure intends to improve integration by prioritizing language acquisition. Additionally, the legislation bans full-face Islamic veils, including the burqa and niqab, inside educational facilities. Opponents argue the regulations politicize immigration and could force children to attend distant schools away from their neighborhoods.
Why it matters
The decree targets demographic shifts and integration challenges within Italian public education by capping non-native speakers per room. Critics from labor unions, teaching staff, and opposition parties contend that logistical constraints will disrupt local schooling access. The legislation follows ongoing national debates regarding religious expression and cultural assimilation in European school systems.
What is confirmed
- Italy's government passed a decree Thursday placing an upper limit on students with limited Italian language skills in each classroom.
- The legislation bans face-covering Islamic veils, specifically naming the burqa and niqab, in school environments.
- Premier Giorgia Meloni's conservative government stated the package aims to strengthen integration through language learning.
- Opponents including educators, unions, and opposition parties warn the rules could force students to attend schools far from their neighborhoods.
Still unconfirmed
- Critics accuse the government of turning immigration into a political issue through the new school restrictions.
What to watch next
- Implementation of the classroom cap by local school authorities
- Potential legal challenges from opposition parties or civil rights groups
- Reactions and enforcement measures by teachers and union representatives
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (10)
- en.wikipedia.org — Italy - Wikipedia
- www.worldatlas.com — Italy Maps & Facts - World Atlas
- ontheworldmap.com — Italy Map - Geography and Facts | Discover Italy with Detailed...
- www.italia.it — Discover Italy: Official Tourism Website - Italia.it
- en.wikipedia.org — History of Italy - Wikipedia
- www.yahoo.com — Italy decrees limits on non-Italian speakers and veils in school classrooms
- www.ctvnews.ca — Italy limits non-Italian speakers, veils in school classrooms
- srnnews.com — Italy approves limits on non-Italian speakers and veils in school classrooms - SRN News
- www.latimes.com — Italy approves limits on non-Italian speakers and veils in classrooms
- wtop.com — Italy decrees limits on non-Italian speakers and veils in ...
-
Italy Caps Foreign Students and Bans Full-Face Veils in Schools
The conservative government under Giorgia Meloni approved a school decree on Thursday that limits students with insufficient Italian-language skills to 30% of any single classroom. The decree also prohibits the use of full-face Islamic veils, specifically naming the burqa and niqab, within school environments. These measures aim to regulate the composition of classrooms and dress codes in Italian educational institutions.
Why it matters
The move reflects a broader shift toward right-wing policies by the Meloni administration. Critics have described the student caps as shameful. This policy targets both linguistic integration and religious expression in public education.
What is confirmed
- The Italian government approved a school decree limiting classrooms to 30% of students with insufficient Italian-language skills.
- The decree bans full-face Islamic veils, including burqas and niqabs, in schools.
- The measures were approved by the government of Giorgia Meloni.
What to watch next
- Legal challenges to the decree from human rights organizations
- Implementation timelines for the 30% student cap
- Official government response to accusations of a right-wing election shift
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- The New York Times — Italy Moves to Cap Number of Foreign Students in Its Classrooms
- bbc.com — Italy ministers agree to ban burqa and niqab in school and cap foreigners in class
- Al Jazeera — Meloni government bans burqas, caps foreign students in Italian schools
- AP News — Italy decrees limits on non-Italian speakers and veils in school classrooms
- The Guardian — Meloni accused of election shift to right after ’shameful’ cap on foreign children in classrooms
- www.salemnews.com — Italy decrees limits on non-Italian speakers and veils in school classrooms
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community