Founded in 2007, ELF brings together liberal think tanks, political foundations, and institutes from around Europe to observe, analyze, and contribute to the debate on European public policy issues and the process of European integration, through research, training, and the promotion of active citizenship within the EU.

[2][3] Compared to other political foundations in Europe, the European Liberal Forum's independent status is much more pronounced.

Additionally, ELF provides ALDE with the scientific input toward policy development, thus contributing to the European public debate, and it presents liberal proposals and views towards the wider public in EU Member States.

The ELF Board of Directors provides the foundation with day-to-day guidance.

Currently, the Board is composed of:[5] The secretariat is run by Alva Finn, Executive Director and Dr Antonios Nestoras, Deputy Executive Director.