An agency created in 1977 (on an interim basis) by 17 European countries, with the purpose of operating a European telecommunications satellite system. It became a permanent organization in 1985, establishing the first system in Europe. Fifteen years later, the organization had become one of the world’s leading satellite operators. Restructured in 2001, EUTELSAT has 49 members today.

EUTELSAT is also of its fleet of satellites. One of its newer satellites, EUROBIRD, was launched in March 2001 to cover western and central Europe for a period of 12 years, providing broadcasting and telecommunications services on 24 channels. EUTELSAT also provides coverage for Africa, many parts of Asia, and (by interconnectivity) the Americas.

In 1991 a private company was created from the original intergovernmental agency to control all activities and assets, and a new intergovernmental organization was set up to monitor the company's practice, such as non-discrimination and fair competition.