Since the first European Championship in 1978, a total of 20 countries have been represented, 15 of them in the top section. This year (2011), 13 countries are represented with two bands from each of Wales (defending European champions) and Switzerland (host nation).

Wales and Switzerland are actually two of ony four countries with a 100% attendance record at the European. Including this year, the 'ranking' of countries is as follows:

34 years - Switzerland (plus 2 in B section), Wales, Norway (plus 2), England (plus 1)
33 - Belgium (missed 1984)
32 - Netherlands (missed 1996 and also 1978 when band withdrew), Scotland (missed 1994 and 1996)
22 - Denmark
17 - Northern Ireland
15 - Sweden
6 - Luxembourg
5 - France
4 - Austria (plus 2)
1 - Republic of Ireland, Finland

The inaugural B section contest was held in 1994 and, in addition to the appearances by bands from Switzerland, Norway, England and Austria indicated above, these are the countries that have sent bands to compete:

10 - Germany, Republic of Ireland
9 - Italy
8 - Austria
7 - France
5 - Faroe Islands, Northern Ireland, Finland
3 - Sweden
2 - Slovakia, Lithuania