[1] As Europe is facing democratic deficits, as well as the growing popularity of right-wing populist and nationalist political parties, the initiative aims at counteracting euroscepticism.

Pulse of Europe is registered as an association (e. V.) headquartered in Frankfurt, but city groups are largely self-organised.

Pulse of Europe refers to ten basic principles which guide their actions:[1] The citizen's initiative was founded by the German lawyers Daniel and Sabine Röder.

Using their private network of friends and social media, they held a first public meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, by the end of November 2016.

[11] Until May 2018 the number of participating cities rose to 118 in 18 European countries, but public attention and attendance declined after the elections in the Netherlands, France, and Germany had taken place.