The European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) is an international organization that brings together various states. Established with the support of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ECAC held its first session in Strasbourg in 1955. Initially, 18 countries founded it, but today, the membership has grown to 44 nations. This organization collaborates closely with other important European bodies, such as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and EUROCONTROL.
ECAC’s main goal is to foster a safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport system across Europe. It does this by harmonizing civil aviation policies among member states and promoting dialogue on aviation policies globally. ECAC regularly issues resolutions, recommendations, and policy statements that member states implement. Additionally, it facilitates international agreements under its framework.
The organization meets every three years for a Plenary Session, but meetings can occur more frequently if necessary. Directors General of Civil Aviation gather regularly to tackle policy issues. When a matter is significant enough for Europe, meetings at the Ministerial level can take place to make essential decisions.
Day-to-day operations are managed by a Coordinating Committee. This committee includes the ECAC President, elected for a three-year term, three Vice-Presidents, and Focal Points who are responsible for specific areas of ECAC’s work. The ECAC Secretariat, led by the Executive Secretary, consists of a diverse team of experts with extensive experience in civil aviation. Based in Paris, ECAC operates in both English and French.
Membership
ECAC consists of both EU and non-EU members. Here’s a list of current members:
EU Members: Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Hungary, Austria, Denmark, Croatia, Slovenia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, Finland, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Non-EU Members: Türkiye, Switzerland, Norway, United Kingdom, Monaco, Republic of North Macedonia, Moldova, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Serbia, Armenia, Georgia, and Montenegro.
ECAC-only Members: Iceland, Azerbaijan, and San Marino.
