In February 2007 the ICC European Development Program introduced its panel of umpires who are eligible to officiate in ICC European tournaments and matches. This Panel comes after ten years of umpire education in 27 Associate and Affiliate member Countries, which has resulted in a 126% growth in the number of qualified umpires since 2002 to just over 1,200 qualified umpires in 2007.

Within the main Panel is a smaller Elite Umpire Panel made up of ten of Europe's most experienced umpires. These umpires are eligible to officiate at the top ICC European/ICC events such as the ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Divisions 1-5, the ICC Intercontinental Cup and the ICC European Division 1 Championship (WCL Qualifier).

These panels were selected by the ICC European Officials Selection Committee (EOSC) from an extensive list of nominees submitted by the Country Boards. The two panels are reviewed at the end of each season giving each Country Board the opportunity to add new names to their nomination list. This review process also allows the EOSC to review the performance of existing members and to promote (and demote) where applicable.

The announcement of these panels came almost two years after ICC announced its International Associate and Affiliate panel which officiates ICC One Day Internationals, World Cricket League events and the Intercontinental Cup.