From its inauguration in 1997 until September 2021, the tournament was organised by the European Bowls Union (EBU).
voted unanimously, to rebrand and be replaced by the newly formed, limited company, Bowls Europe Ltd (registered in Scotland).
The tournament was established to enable smaller countries in Europe to participate competitively against other more established bowls playing countries maintaining the principal aim, of fostering and developing the sport of lawn bowls throughout Europe.
[2] The format of the championship in 1997, was a team event consisting of two sets of mixed pairs from each country competing.
In 1999, singles and mixed pairs were played as part of the team event.