A set of rules has been in place since 2003 (Regulation 2004/2003), mainly to deal with the funding of European political parties and, following an amendment in 2007, of their affiliated political foundations.
Esimesed eeskirjad kehtestati juba 2003. aastal (määrus 2004/2003) ning need käsitlevad peamiselt Euroopa tasandi erakondade rahastamist.