EASA stands for European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which translates to Europäische Agentur für Flugsicherheit in German. It's an agency of the European Union headquartered in Cologne, Germany.

Established in 2002, EASA is responsible for promoting and maintaining safety in civil aviation across Europe. It oversees the development and implementation of regulations, standards, certification processes, and monitoring activities to ensure a high level of safety, environmental sustainability, efficiency, and uniformity in European air travel.

EASA's tasks include certifying aircraft, aircraft components, and aviation equipment, issuing licenses and authorizations for pilots and crew members, monitoring compliance with safety standards, developing and implementing safety regulations and standards, conducting safety analyses and investigations, and collaborating with national aviation authorities and other international organizations.

It closely collaborates with European Union member states to promote uniform standards and harmonized regulations in the field of civil aviation. EASA contributes to maintaining a high level of safety and efficiency in air traffic in Europe and ensures that European aviation regulations align with international standards and best practices.

Furthermore, EASA collaborates with other international organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to promote cooperation and harmonization of safety standards on a global level.