The European School of Economics was founded in Italy in 1994. On 12 December 2013 the European School of Economics UK Ltd. became a charity. On 9 September 2018 ESE was awarded "Best Private Business School, United Kingdom 2018" at the Global Brand Awards 2018 by Global Brands Magazine.
Current operational status
Each country has its own local management and the ESE campuses are presently managed by the following companies: ESE Italy, ESE Spain, ESE Insight Ltd, and ESE New York Inc.
In 2010, the Madrid Campus of the European School of Economics in Spain was authorized by the Ministry of Education and the Comunidad de Madrid to teach university-level programmes leading to the award of a British degree in Spain. but this authorization was revoked in 2015. This authorization allowed ESE students, who successfully complete the degree programme, to apply for recognition of the British degree as an equivalent to the corresponding Spanish level of studies. After the ESE lost the agreement with Buckingham University in November 2014, the Comunidad de Madrid revoked the authorization.
Italy
In Italy, the European School of Economics, is one of the few business school recognized by the British government as listed body with its three campuses: Milan, Rome and Florence. The Italian campuses are officially associated with Eduitalia an Association of Schools and Universities that offers courses to foreign students in Italy. The Association offers students worldwide a vast selection of course offerings available in some of Italy’s most beautiful cities offered by recognised schools, universities and educational institutions. The Milan Campus, while providing all the courses available also in the other campuses, has developed its specific focus on the fashion and luxury field. In May 2020 it opened its doors to the new Fashion and Luxury Culture Department, through which a number or didactic activities connected to the field are delivered. The Rome Campus is located in the heart of the , a quiet, green and exclusive district near the downtown area of the city, a few steps away from the Orange Tree Garden which features one of the most amazing views of the city, the centre is close to the famous keyhole gate at Square and close to the Caracalla Thermal baths, this last home to a variety of artistic and musical activities known the world over. The Florence Campus is in the , it lies in the very heart of the city, few steps away from the Ponte Vecchio, a five minute walk from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, and a ten minute walk from the railway station, Santa Maria Novella. The school in Italy was involved in multiple scandals, which including the bankruptcy of its subsidiary A.C. Viareggio, a football club. Italian Guardia di Finanza and prosecutor had investigated the school for alleged tax evasion using subsidiaries, as well as the false advertisement of their graduation certificate. However, the school acquitted the charge.