As a result of these experiences, both France and the UK realised that to improve their level of interoperability, a new organization was needed that would provide focus and momentum.

From the start, the word ‘European’ was included in the organisation's title, to enable other potential members to join the initiative.

Italy became the first new state to apply for membership, soon to be followed by others, and on 1 January 1998, the name of the FBEAG was changed to ‘the European Air Group’ (EAG).

The new EAG was formally endorsed by the Ministers of France and the UK, Alain Richard and George Robertson, who jointly signed the Inter-Governmental Agreement on 6 July 1998.

This date marks the formal start point of the EAG, which rapidly expanded under an Amending Protocol[2] signed on 16 June 1999 to allow the accession of new members and reach its current composition of seven member states: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.