The EAA was launched in Brussels in 1994 after a four year gestation period. The 14 member organisations (2008) from 11 European nations meet annually at a General Assembly hosted by a member country. Between general assemblies members meet and work in two standing Subgroups dealing with sea water and fresh water issues. Add-hoc groups are formed around specific issues in need of special care, e.g. a Task Force Cormorants. EAA sits in a number of advisory bodies with regards to EU's fisheries and environment policy shaping.
The EAA is managed by an elected Board of five members.
Since 1996 there has been close co-operation with the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) a Trade Association sharing common goals with the EAA. EFTTA co-fund the employment of a lobbyist in Brussels.
The European Anglers Alliance (EAA) is a pan-European organisation. There are more than 3 million affiliated members to the 14 EAA member organisations. The EAA is recognised as a non-governmental organisation. EAA is the only European angling organisation of its kind defending recreational angler's interests at the European level and beyond. EAA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the world-wide competition arranging organisation C.I.P.S.
More angling organisations from within Europe not among our membership today are expected to join EAA shortly and in the years to come. Estonia and Croatia have applied to become members as from this year (2008). EAA is in dialog and networking with angling organisations all over Europe and globally. The EAA has a permanent office in Brussels and employs a Secretary-General.