The men's 50 metre backstroke competition of the swimming events at the 2012 European Aquatics Championships took place May 23 and 24.

The heats and semifinals took place on May 23, the final on May 24.

[1] Prior to the competition, the existing world, European and championship records were as follows.

43 swimmers participated in 6 heats.

[2] The eight fasters swimmers advanced to the final.