This is the newest European competition, and one that differs rather radically from all the rest. It was established in 2003 as a competition open to all players, including – for the first time – even non-Europeans. Transnational combinations are allowed, and there are no restrictive quotas for any nation.

The ‘European Open', as it is casually called, includes pair and team tournaments in each of the four categories: open, women, seniors and mixed. It has absorbed a number of existing championships, namely, the European ( Open & Senior ) Pairs Championships, the European Women Pairs Championship and the European Mixed Championships (Teams & Pairs).

The European Open, conceived by EBL President Gianarrigo Rona , is held every odd-numbered year.