The European Federation was formed in 2004 by the French, German and Italian association. Belgium, Spain and the UK joined closely after. In 2017 FR2S from Luxembourg entered the Federation.

ECSSA currently counts seven national member associations in European countries.

The primary objectives of ECSSA are:

• to develop the Recruitment and Search & Selection industry on a European Level by professional ethics and standards,
• to become a dynamic forum for networking and exchange of information and views between members and
• to promote the interests of the Recruitment and Search & Selection industry among different European organizations.

Mr. Etienne Deroure (France) is the current President of the Federation.