The European Internet Foundation (EIF) was founded in March 2000 by three Members of the European Parliament from 3 different political groups: James Elles, Erika Mann and Elly Plooij-van Gorsel. In 2014 it changed its name into 'European Internet Forum' to better reflect its 'raison d'etre'.

EIF’s mission is to help provide European political leadership for the development of European and multilateral public policies responsive to the political, economic and social challenges of the worldwide digital transformation. Its purpose is to help ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of this transformation and benefits fully from it through enhanced global competitiveness and social progress.

EIF’s mission is to support Members of the European Parliament from all political groups in their efforts to shape policy and regulation responsive to the growing potential of the internet and new technologies.

EIF focuses on issues and actions at the top of the political agenda and on emerging future trends at both European and global level. Through a continuous programme of live debates and special projects featuring open and inclusive dialogue, EIF creates a space for greater understanding of the digital world.

EIF does not itself take any position nor represent specific interest.

EIF brochure is available here:

The European Internet Forum is led and governed by our Political Members, all of whom are elected Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). We are independent, not-for-profit and non-partisan. Membership in the European Internet Forum is open to all current MEPs.

EIF membership also includes a variety of leading companies and organisations which together encompass a broad range of interests and actors in the vanguard of internet and ICTs. We continually seek to expand the breadth and depth of interests and points of view within the EIF membership on a non-discriminatory basis.

The Forum is financed primarily through the membership fees of our Business and Associate Members.

Functioning as a real “network organisation”, EIF provides all its members with the opportunity to actively participate in its activities and to help shape EIF’s programme and event agendas.

Join EIF

The European Internet Forum (EIF) is established as non-profit association (‘ASBL’) under Belgian law. It is governed by its Statutes and Bylaws, which have been updated in October 2014 and December 2014 respectively.

EIF's structure reflects the principle of political leadership and control, while ensuring openness, participation and equity for business and associates members, who support EIF financially through annual fees.