“One year on and I am justifiably proud of what FRA and the EU Agencies have achieved together,” says FRA Director Morten Kjaerum. “Our diverse and distinct network enabled us to capitalise on our synergies while working on our respective strengths. We set the bar high but have clearly demonstrated what can be achieved collectively by adding value to the EU and the lives of citizens across the region.”

FRA began chairing the network in March 2014. Throughout the year, there were notable achievements in a number of priority areas including:

• A thorough implementation of the roadmap on common approaches for EU Agencies: Almost 100% of the agency-related actions in the roadmap were addressed during the FRA’s chairmanship. The roadmap was developed by the European Commission following a request by the EU institutions to strengthen the effectiveness of the Agencies’ work through finding common approaches to how they work. As part of the roadmap the network endorsed common approaches on such areas as planning, performance measurement, finance and reporting. 
• Greater visibility and reputation: The network agreed a Communications Strategy to help boost the agencies’ impact among EU bodies and the public. This was aided by an information stand at the European Parliament, radio and public panel debates on the work of the Agencies and a brochure showcasing the Agencies' added value. 
• Enhanced cooperation and networking among Agencies: Regular high-level meetings in Brussels and Vienna, alongside thematic workshops across many areas helped share and consolidate intelligence and best practices among Agencies. 
• Improved standing among EU bodies and national parliaments: FRA spoke on behalf of the network at a high-level pan-European conference of national committees responsible for EU Affairs to better explain the work of the Agencies and how they function. FRA also represented the network at numerous meetings at the EU institutions to clarify the added value of Agencies and discuss issues related to planning, financing and staffing and the needs of Agencies. 
• A stronger fundamental rights framework: All Agencies agreed to better promote and protect fundamental rights in their work, following a dedicated workshop earlier in the year for Agencies to explain fundamental rights. 

A FRA infographic has been developed to illustrate the achievements over the past year.

The network of EU Agencies improves the coordination, information exchange and agreement of common positions on issues of shared interest among over 40 diverse and expert EU Agencies. The formal handover of the chairmanship to the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) takes place on 11 March 2015. FRA will continue to take part in the network’s management, as outgoing Chair alongside the current Chair, Eurofound and the future Chair, the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM).