European radio astronomy has major world-class facilites which operate successfully in a hostile electromagnetic and economic environment. In 1988 the Committee on Radio Astronomy Frequencies (CRAF) was established under the auspices of the European Science Foundation, ‘to keep the frequency bands used for radio astronomical observations free from interference’. Coordination of the European efforts through CRAF adds value through the sharing of expertise and information. Having one recognized voice for European radio astronomy also gives us strength. For example, the agreement concluded with Iridium LLC offered radio astronomy significant concessions compared with agreements reached elsewhere in the world. As Europe moves towards harmonized use of the radio spectrum, CRAF members participate in the discussions alongside representatives of governments and industry, to ensure that radio astronomy will have a secure future in Europe. This paper gives an overview of the European regulatory environment and the ways in which CRAF is working to protect radio astronomy.