The 1970 European Aquatics Championships were held in Barcelona, Spain from 5 to 13 September 1970.
Titles were contested in swimming, diving and water polo (men).
Both men and women competed in the 200 m freestyle, 100 m breaststroke and 200 individual medley for the first time.
Furthermore, in the men's swimming program the 100 m butterfly was introduced and the 100 m backstroke was re-introduced after having been absent for the last two championships.
In the women's swimming program, the 800 m freestyle, 200 m backstroke and 200 m butterfly were introduced.