What is EUMETNET?
EUMETNET is a collaborative network comprising 33 European National Meteorological Services and was established to foster cooperation in various areas of meteorology. This alliance provides a framework for organising joint programmes among its members that support their fundamental activities by providing collective observation systems, data exchange and processing capabilities, basic forecasting products, research and development, professional training support, and effective exchange of knowledge and experiences.
EUMETNET’s mission is to:
1 – Develop and share members’ individual and joint capabilities through well-established cooperation programmes and promote enhanced networking to effectively address emerging challenges in the changing environment; and
2 – Represent the collective interests of its members to European bodies.
EUMETNET’s structure has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally created as an informal network in 1995, it transitioned to a more formal structure in 2009 when it became an economic interest grouping (groupement d’intérêt économique – GIE) under Belgian law. This transition was completed by December 31, 2009, with 31 founding members signing the original agreement. As of 1 January 2024, EUMETNET’s legal status has further evolved to a general partnership (société en nom collectif – SNC), reflecting its growth and the changing needs of its membership. The organisation now boasts 33 members, all of which are national meteorological (and hydrological) services (NM(H)S) of their respective countries. This expansion underscores the growing recognition of the value of collaborative efforts in meteorology across Europe.
Governance of EUMETNET is carried out through an Assembly of Members which convenes twice a year. Decision-making is informed by recommendations from advisory committees, such as the Science and Technology Advisory Committee (STAC), the Policy and Finance Advisory Committee (PFAC), the Aviation Advisory Committee (AVAC), and the Data Policy Advisory Committee (DPAC). These committees oversee all of EUMETNET’s undertakings, including its various programmes, modules, working groups and task teams, third-party projects, and Secretariat activities.
Since the establishment of EUMETNET, the joint Programmes have been its principal vehicle for efficiently carrying out activities that address our members’ requirements. EUMETNET runs around twenty programmes in the fields of observations, forecasting, climate, aviation, training, and policy support. A coordinating member, supported by a consortium of members if required, delivers a programme on behalf of all EUMETNET members. The Secretariat delivers some of the policy programmes.
Members are engaged in specialised workgroups and expert teams, where experts meet and share experiences and best practices in their fields of expertise.
Therefore, a key principle underpinning EUMETNET’s operations is the power of networking and sharing. This collaborative approach enables European National Meteorological Services to pool resources, share knowledge, and tackle complex challenges that would be difficult or impossible to address individually. Through its structure and activities, EUMETNET plays a crucial role in advancing meteorological science and services across Europe, fostering a more integrated and efficient approach to weather and climate-related challenge.
