History

With the emergence of sub-specialist organisations related to ORL-HNS, eg. Otology, Rhinology, Laryngology and Head and Neck Surgery starting from the late 1960s – such as the European Rhinological Society (ERS) in 1963, the European Laryngological Society (ELS) in 1995, the European Academy of Otology and Neuro-otology (EAONO) in 1995 and the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS) in 2005 – there developed a need to coordinate their activities. 

This was the driving force behind forming the European Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (EAORL-HNS) to bring together all of the European sub-speciality organisations in collaboration with EUFOS and UEMS. The EAORL-HNS was registered in Vienna in 2005.In 2011, EAORL-HNS and EUFOS joined forces by founding the Confederation of European ORL-HNS (The Confederation). In 2013, in a next step, both societies were dissolved to "create one voice for ENT in Europe and beyond".

Criteria to become a member

• The number of active members should generally exceed 50 at the time of application from 5 different European Countries and should be over 100 members after 3 years
• The new subspecialty society should cover a specific field within ORL-HNS that is currently not adequately represented by existing subspecialty societies.
• The new subspecialty society should have been active for at least 3 years before applying.
• There should be a formal constitution/articles of association with an English version legally based in one country along with its bank account
• The Society should have a clearly defined board or presidential council, should meet regularly and have a professional secretariat or professional conference organizer
• The new subspecialty society should agree to comply with the constitution of the Confederation and to actively contribute to the CEORL-HNS.