There is no "FAA" in Europe; instead, the primary regulatory body for aviation safety is the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, EASA performs many of the same functions as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), such as certifying new aircraft (like the Boeing 777-9), overseeing pilot licensing standards, and enforcing safety regulations across its member states. While the FAA and EASA are separate entities with different jurisdictional boundaries, they work in extremely close partnership through "Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements." This means they often coordinate on airworthiness directives and share data to ensure global safety standards are synchronized. In 2026, if you are flying within Europe, the rules governing your flight's safety, maintenance, and crew training are set by EASA. While the FAA has no direct authority over European-registered airlines operating within Europe, its influence is still felt through international agreements and its role in regulating U.S.-manufactured aircraft used by European carriers.