The development of European organisations for the recognition and registration of veterinary specialists is described. Attention is given to the formation of specialty groups in the form of 'colleges' and 'societies' and to the development of umbrella organisations such as the 'Interim Board of Veterinary Specialisation' and the 'Coordinating Committee'. The importance of support by a governmental organisation is indicated; it is concluded that the EEC awaits further advancement. It is pointed out that the capacity to train specialists is limited at present. Finally the usefulness of maintaining two almost identical but completely separated systems for the recognition and registration of veterinary specialists in the Netherlands and in Europe is questioned.

European organizations for veterinary specialists need further advancement, with limited capacity to train specialists and question the usefulness of maintaining two separate systems for recognition and registration in the Netherlands and Europe.

[Specialization from a European viewpoint].

Key Takeaway: European organizations for veterinary specialists need further advancement, with limited capacity to train specialists and question the usefulness of maintaining two separate systems for recognition and registration in the Netherlands and Europe.