We hope that the membership of the new society, ESPA, will attract many anaesthetists from Europe and overseas who are interested in providing the best possible care for children undergoing anaesthesia and treatment for life-threatening conditions. In this regard, we plan to continue the work started by FEAPA 20 years ago under the guidance of the late Gordon Jackson-Rees and Anneke Meursing. FEAPA served our specialty well by organising congresses, courses and symposia, but as time passed it became clear that a society, based on individual membership, would be more effective than a federation.Therefore, in 2007, the European Advisory Board of FEAPA decided to transform FEAPA into ESPA. The new organisation will come into being in May, 2009 and its first congress will take place in September 2009, in Warsaw. Warsaw, the capital of Poland, symbolises the new found unity of Europe. As such, it seems appropriate that the city should host the first Congress of our new European society. Over the last fifteen years Warsaw, with its history stretching back several centuries, has undergone major redevelopment to become what it is today a modern, vivid metropolis, full of life and joy.

Visitors to Poland will have a unique opportunity to experience Polish hospitality and see the country of Pope John Paul II and Lech Walesa. Our varied social programme, enjoyed during the sunny and warm September days, will provide an excellent opportunity for renewing old friendships and making new ones. The Scientific programme will cover most of the current topics in our specialty. Delegates will enjoy traditional lectures, but also workshops, hands-on training sessions and free paper presentations. We would also like to welcome all of the Industrial Exhibitors to Warsaw; our Congresses could not exist without their generous support.

On behalf of the FEAPA and ESPA, welcome to Warsaw for what promises to be an exciting academic and cultural experience.