[1] The championships was an annual event until 1990, when it was changed to its current biennial format.

A gap of three years occurred after the 2002 edition to synchronize the event with the other major championships of international athletics.

The event is hosted by a different European city each year.

[2] † Haglund ran this time in the semifinals, and again with Popova in the final; the photofinish gave Popova first and Haglund second, with each woman being credited as having equalled the championship record.

[1] A total of 11 men and 12 women have won six or more medals at the competition.