The EUREF reference frame is mainly realized using the GPS measurement technique.
A first measurement campaign covering Western Europe was conducted in 1989 and since then other GPS campaigns were carried out ameliorating the results of previous campaigns and enlarging the territory covered to Eastern Europe.

Taking into account the growing number of permanent GPS stations in Europe, the EUREF subcommission decided to take advantage of this situation for the maintenance of the European Reference Frame (Resolution No.2 of the EUREF Symposium in Helsinki). The permanent tracking stations will form the backbone of the EUREF network which will be densified using local campaigns of finite duration.

Dr. Werner Gurtner (gurtneraiub.unibe.ch) made in May 1995 a proposal for the organization of the EUREF permanent GPS network including the following components : permanent GPS stations, Operational Centres, Local Data Centres, a Regional Data Centre, Local Analysis Centres, a Regional Analysis Centre and a Network Coordinator.

Most of these components existed already, but various activities were not coordinated. In order to remedy to this shortcoming a network coordinator (epncboma.be) for the EUREF permanent network was appointed in October 1995.