The European Institute is a non governmental organization, founded in April 1999 in response to Bulgaria’s increased efforts at speeding up the process of preparation for European Union membership. Throughout the first stage of its development, it provided support to the process of Bulgaria's preparation for accession to the EU. 

After that national strategic goal was achieved, the European Institute has continued working towards Bulgaria's accelerated and complete integration into the European structures, and also towards enabling the Bulgarian society to effectively participate in the process of formulation and implementation of European policies.

The European Institute has been established with the support of Mr. George Soros, founder of the Open Society Institute and the Soros Foundations Network.