While most long-distance footpaths in Europe are located in just one country or region, each of these numbered European long-distance paths passes through many countries.

The formation of the European Union made transnational hiking trails possible.

Today, the network consists of 12 paths and covers more than 65,000 kilometres (40,000 mi), crisscrossing Europe.

In general, the routes connect and make use of existing national and local trails such as the GR footpaths.

The paths are officially designated by the European Ramblers' Association.