EIARD is implemented by a European Coordination Group (ECG) consisting of representatives of the
European Commission (DG RTD, DG DEV, DG AIDCO), the twenty seven Member States of the European
Union, plus Norway and Switzerland. The Members of the ECG are appointed by their respective governments and the
European Commission. The ECG is therefore accountable to both individual European Governments
(through their representatives) and to the EU Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, through
the Commission.

A smaller Working Group (WG) ensures the continuing activities of EIARD, and operates as a "Steering Commitee".
It meets about four times a year, and is fully accountable to the ECG, which meets formally once a year.
he WG is assisted by ad hoc Task Forces, consisting of experts provided by members, who prepare draft
positions on specific issues, for endorsement by the WG and eventually the ECG.

An EIARD Executive Secretary, is provided by one of the members (currently Jean-Luc Khalfaoui - on secondment from France),
and hosted by the European Commission (DG Research / Direction E - Agriculture Forests,
Fishing & Aquaculture Unit - E4) as a Seconded National Expert. The Executive
Secretary is responsible for the day-to-day management of the EIARD.
EIARD is therefore a permanent informal ARD policy coordination platform, which operates outside the normal EU
"comitology" procedures.  Its effectiveness is ensured through its country representatives and by the
endorsement of its role by the European Council and Parliament.