Aviation is among the safest means of transportation, but any human activity is associated with risk and de facto aviation incorporates risks that can lead to accidents. ICAO sets down standards and recommended practices. Other organisations, such as EUROCONTROL, lay down regulations and issue guidance material for their implementation. However, despite every effort that is made by the aviation industry towards safety enhancement, accidents do occur. In the early years of the 21st Century, European aviation received a wake up call that showed more needed to be done to enhance ATM (Air Traffic Management) safety in Europe. In October 2001, a runway incursion at Milans Linate Airport caused loss of life; then, in early July 2002, Europe awoke to the terrible news of a mid-air collision at Ueberlingen. Not since 1976, and the safe transit of some 150 million flights thereafter, had Europe suffered this type of disaster. EUROCONTROL took immediate action to address issues arising from those accidents and instigated a programme to raise the awareness of ATM safety requirements and speed up implementation of ATM Safety Management Systems (SMS) in Europe.