ECSA was founded in 1987 by the European integration studies Associations from member countries. The purpose of European Community Study Association (ECSA) is:

• to promote higher level research and teaching on European Integration
• to promote cooperation between its member states, and to promote cooperation between different universities throughout Europe and the rest of the world
• to promote international programs of research, provide technical assistance, organize various conferences, all to stimulate academic cooperation in the study of the area of European integration
• to help spread the information on current university research and teaching activities related to European integration through publications and interactive networks such as the internet