Marie-Claire Harrison of England, was crowned Miss Europe 1996 by outgoing titleholder Monika Žídková of the Czech Republic.
This was founded in 1950 by Jean Raibaut in Paris, the headquarters later moved to Marseille.
This year's competition took place in İzmir, Turkey.
At the end, Mimmi Gunnarsson of Sweden was originally crowned as Miss Europa 1996; however she was later dethroned.
Both Gunnarsson and Rautawaara succeeded predecessor Yolanda Marcos Gonzales of Spain.