Europe is moving towards a more closely integrated air traffic management system through the European ATC Harmonization and Integration Programme (EATCHIP). This paper explains the need for such an approach and how it was brought about by capacity limitations in the current European air traffic system. It describes the key strategy of progressive harmonization and integration by the various States, examines the roles of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), EUROCONTROL and the European Commission in the management of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) development programmes. It also reviews the longer-term planning of a future system with an enhanced relationship between the air and the ground, and addresses the navigation aspects of ATM systems.