European Cultural Parliament was created in Strasbourg in 2001 with an idea to strengthen cultural and artistic initiatives in Europe. The aim of the founders was also to develop the dialogue between Easter and Western Europeans and between different arts sectors.

The first members of the ECP were nominated in 2002 in Bruges. These were internationally recognised European artists and cultural personalities, who agreed the ECP was to grow and obtain new members through an 'organic process' – nominating other artists and colleagues from other countries. The members agreed on their motto: "Ethical and aesthetic values must be the essence of a new European Society". At the end of 2006 the ECP had about 130 members from 40 countries.

The following sessions took place in Graz (2003), Genoa (2004), Lisbon (2005), Turku (2006) and Sibiu (2007). The ECP has plans to meet anually in culturally important cities all over Europe. There are several projects carried out also between sessions, for example NUROPE (Nomadic University for Arts, Philosophy and Enterprise in Europe) initiated in Turku, September 11-14, 2007.

This year's session takes place in Liverpool on October 24-26, thanks to the kind invitation of the British Council (London). The members of the ECP will discuss the theme "Culture, Media and Democracy", prepared and researched in cooperation with the European Journalism Centre. The session will also continue the topic of the previous meeting in Sibiu "Open Space for Intercultural Dialogue"