The Euro Area Business Cycle Network (EABCN) provides a forum for a better understanding of the business cycle in the euro area by linking academics and researchers in central banks and other policy institutions involved in its empirical analysis. The Network was launched officially on 1 April 2002. The first EABCN Steering Committee meeting, hosted by Banca d'Italia in September 2002, ratified the Network's organisational structure and approved its ability to spend network funds. EABCN currently consists of 22 institutional members. Its organisational structure consists of an Executive Group, a Scientific Committee and a Steering Committee.