The History of the European Institute
Since its founding in 1991, the European Institute has been the UK's leading centre for the study of Europe.
The European Institute was established as a dedicated centre for the interdisciplinary study of processes of integration and fragmentation within Europe. Navigating pivotal moments from the Maastricht Treaty and the formation of the single currency to the Eurozone crisis and Brexit, the European Institute encapsulates more than three decades of dynamic growth. Against the backdrop of geopolitical shifts shaping Britain’s role in Europe and Europe’s global standing, the European Institute’s influence remains unparalleled.
In 2021/22, 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 alike, and more. Explore our collection below.
Celebrating 30 Years of the European Institute: An Introduction
by Professor Simon Glendinning, Professor Nicholas Barr, and Professor Kevin Featherstone
Baroness Minouche Shafik, former 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."
The European Institute has really flourished in this period, and it's an extraordinary achievement.
Other key moments at the European Institute...
10 Years of EU in Practice
In October 2021, the European Institute celebrated the 10th anniversary of its hallmark seminar series, The European Union in Practice: Politics and Power in the Brussels System.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II : A message from Professor Simon Glendinning
In honour of HM Queen Elizabeth II's passing in September 2022, our Head of the European Institute, Professor Simon Glendinning, reflected on the Queen's reign and her relationship with the European Union - up to the state opening of parliament in June 2017, where she laid out the government’s intention to deliver the eight bills necessary for Brexit wearing a hat that bore a strong resemblance to, of all things, the European Union flag.
Celebrating Professor Kevin Featherstone
In September 2024, after 22 years at the LSE European Institute, Professor Kevin Featherstone, Emeritus Professor in the European Institute and then Director of the LSE Centre for Research on Contemporary Greece and Cyprus, retired from his position as Chair in the European Institute.
Professor Featherstone served as Head of the European Institute across three separate terms (2004–2007, 2011–2012, and 2015–2017), totalling seven years of influential leadership. In addition to this, he held the prestigious Eleftherios Venizelos Chair in Contemporary Greek Studies from 2002 to 2022. Kevin currently serves as Chair of the Anglo-Hellenic League, a historic organisation established in 1913 to further relations between Britain and Greece.
Discover our "60 second interview" with Professor Kevin Featherstone
Read our Head of the European Institute's Speech to Kevin
Moreover, in June 2025, Professor Kevin Featherstone, now Professorial Research Fellow at the LSE Centre for Research on Contemporary Greece and Cyprus, was awarded the honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to academia and UK–Greece relations in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025.