The early 2000s were marred by several fatal accidents in Europe , such as the 2001 Linate Airport disaster and the 2002 Überlingen mid-air collision , both of which were related to air traffic navigation shortcomings . The pressure was further compounded by the September 11 attacks , increasing the need for a rapid Europe-wide regulatory and coordinating body . By May 2003 , EUROCONTROL and NATO had signed a memorandum of cooperation , followed by a similar memorandum with the European Commission in December 2003 . In February 2004 , Eurocontrol started work on first mandates from the European Commission and in April 2004 , it adopted the Single European Sky Regulations ( Package 1 ) . In March 2006 , the European Commission 's Single European Sky ATM Research ( SESAR ) Program was launched by the Stakeholder Consultation Group ( SCG ) under Eurocontrol 's aegis
Linate Airport disaster
Linate Airport disaster
Eurocontrol