[1][2] Skaters were eligible for the event if they were representing a European member nations of the International Skating Union and had reached the age of 15 before 1 July 2011 in their place of birth.

Member states submitted the following entries:[3] In January 2012, the ISU released a statement confirming that Evgeni Plushenko, who did not have a minimum score from the current or previous season, had been allowed to participate in the competition.

[5] Robin Cousins choreographed the opening ceremony featuring 100 young local skaters and attended by Prince Edward.

[9] 23 ladies competed in the preliminary round, with the top ten advancing to the short program to join 18 direct entries.

[17] Germany's Mari Vartmann / Daniel Wende collided with each other while attempting to avoid a French couple during the morning practice before the long programs on 26 January.

[18] Volosozhar / Trankov won the free skate to take their first European title, while Vera Bazarova / Yuri Larionov and Stolbova / Klimov took silver and bronze respectively for a Russian sweep of the podium.