The Psychedelic Furs traditionally opened their live shows with "Sister Europe" during the early part of their career.

[1] Singer Richard Butler recalled Lillywhite's directions to him regarding the vocals: "He told me, 'Go down to the pub, have a couple of beers, and when you come back, I want you to sing like it's three in the morning, and you're talking on the telephone to someone'".

[3] An official music video was produced in 1980, directed by British filmmakers Don Letts and Mick Calvert.

[4] In The Rough Guide to Rock, writer Alex Ogg called it "an intoxicating song that announced the group's distinctive style", comparing it to the Velvet Underground mixed with David Bowie.

[7] The song and its production were a direct influence on the Replacements' "Within Your Reach", one of Paul Westerberg's first efforts to compose outside the group's hardcore mien.