The European Union of Women was 'an association of women members of the centre and moderate political parties in Europe'. It was formed in 1953 on Austrian initiative and by 1982 included 14 countries, including the UK. The EUW had consultative status with the Council of Europe and the United Nations Organisation. It aimed to bring about closer cooperation between centre-right political organisations in order to encourage discussion of problems of common interest to women in relation to political and social reform, which would result in the strengthening of international understanding and encouragement to women to play a more useful role in the civic and political life of their own country.

The EUW General Assembly met every 2 years, with a smaller Council meeting in alternative years, and an Executive Committee which met every 6 months. Various commissions were also set up to study and report back on specific problems.