It returned 7 MEPs using the D'Hondt method of party-list proportional representation, until the UK exit from the European Union on 31 January 2020.

The constituency corresponded to the East of England region of the United Kingdom, comprising the ceremonial counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

It was formed as a result of the European Parliamentary Elections Act 1999, replacing a number of single-member constituencies.

At the time of their abolition in 1999, these were Cambridgeshire, Essex North and Suffolk South, Essex South, Essex West and Hertfordshire East, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and South West Norfolk, and parts of Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.

Brackets indicate the number of votes per seat won.