EI History

The European Institute has really flourished in this period, and it's an extraordinary achievement.

Professor Simon Glendinning, Head of the European Institute

Since being founded in 1991, the European Institute has grown considerably, boasting excellence in both teaching and research with an outstanding programme of public events.

Covering events from the Maastricht Treaty and the formation of the single currency to the Eurozone crisis and Brexit, the European Institute has developed over the past three decades to become one of the largest centres for the study of Europe in the world.

In 2022, the European Institute celebrated 30 years since its foundation

Marking the occasion, the EI held a series of EI30 events, a photography competition, interviews with academics and students alikes, and more.

Baroness Minouche Shafik, Director of LSE, said, "Happy 30th anniversary to the European Institute! For 30 years it has been the leading centre for research on Europe in the UK, with 30 years of impact in Europe, and for Europe in the world. I look forward to decades more of training outstanding students who want to study Europe and produce world-class research about Europe."

Professor Simon Glendinning, Head of the European Institute, commented, "From our very small beginnings to now, with four of our own degrees and now with Double Degrees, the European Institute has really flourished in this period, and it's an extraordinary achievement."

Carl-Ludwig Campbell, European Institute Manager, added, "After 30 years, the EI continues to build on its strengths and connections throughout Europe and around the world – our extended community of current and former students, alumni, academics, researchers, professional services staff, and visiting staff is truly global."

1991: The European Institute is founded within the Department of Government

1996: Foundation of the Hellenic Observatory, and the creation of the Eleftherios Venizelos Chair of Contemporary Greek Studies

1996: Foundation of the Forum for European Philosophy

1996: Foundation of the Canada Blanch Centre for Contemporary Spanish Studies.

2005: Foundation of the Contemporary Turkish Studies programme, including the creation of an eponymous Chair.

2007: European Institute researchers come first in European Studies in the UK’s Research Assessment Exercise (RAE)

2008: Launch of the European Institute’s partnership with Science Po in Paris, France, with a Double Degree in European Studies.

2008: The EI begins its yearly visit to Cumberland Lodge, a 17th-century Grade II listed country house in Windsor Great Park which now hosts educational retreats for students.

2009: Foundation of LSE Research on South Eastern Europe (LSEE)

2014: European Institute researchers come first in Area Studies in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF)

2015: The European Institute begins the year-long LSE Commission on the Future of Britain in Europe, an in-depth assessment of the benefits and risks of Brexit. The report recommends that considering the potential consequences of the vote, the least risky choice would be for the UK to remain in the EU.

2016: Launch of the 5-year LSE Programme on Brexit, which includes a high-profile public lecture series, briefings for members of the civil service, closed discussions with policy makers, and research activities with the School.

2018: Launch of the European Institute’s partnership with Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, with a Double Degree in European and International Public Policy & Politics

2019: Launch of the European Institute’s partnership with Fudan University in Shanghai, China, with a Double Degree in the Global Political Economy of China and Europe

2021: 30th Anniversary of the European Institute, a multidisciplinary centre for the study of European politics, economics and culture in a globalised world.

Celebrating 30 Years of the European Institute, Introduction

- Professor Simon Glendinning, Professor Nick Barr, Professor Kevin Featherstone

The Birth of the European Institute at LSE: A Tale of Two Histories

- Professor Simon Glendinning

The European Institute’s First Decade

- Professor Nick Barr

Reflections on the Development of the European Institute at LSE

- Professor Kevin Featherstone

EI History

Look back on over 30 years of European Institute history

Key dates in our history

History Blogs

My EI Professor Simon Glendinning

'Focus on Europe' | Enjoy the winners of our anniversary photography competition