The event is currently organized by the European Athletic Association.

The history of the biennial athletics competition stems from the European Junior Games, which was first held in 1964.

The event was first sanctioned by the continental governing body, the European Athletic Association at the following edition in 1966 and after a third edition under the games moniker it was renamed to its current title.

[1][2] Medal table includes 1970–2023 Championships.

Medal table includes 1964–1968 Championships.