These aims are realised through the support of crystallographic conferences, workshops and schools both in Europe and Africa.

The Council devises all ECA policies and each national member is represented by one Councillor.

The Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day operation in between Council meetings.

Both SIGs and GIGs contribute actively to the scientific program of the European Crystallographic Meetings.

Together with the European Neutron Scattering Association (ENSA) it awards the Erwin Felix Lewy-Bertaut Prize to a young scientist in recognition of notable contributions to the investigation of matter using crystallographic or neutron scattering methods..