Contemporary European History covers the history of Eastern and Western Europe, including the United Kingdom, from 1918 to the present. By combining a wide geographical compass with a relatively short time span, the journal achieves both range and depth in its coverage. It is open to all forms of historical inquiry - including cultural, economic, international, political and social approaches - and welcomes comparative and transnational analysis. One issue per year explores a broad theme under the guidance of a guest editor. The journal regularly features contributions from scholars outside the Anglophone community and acts as a channel of communication between European historians throughout the continent and beyond it.

The core research areas of Contemporary European History are extensive, covering the history of Eastern and Western Europe, including but not limited to political, economic, social, cultural, and other aspects. It not only focuses on major events and turning points in history, but also delves into the deep-seated reasons and long-term impacts behind historical events, providing readers with a comprehensive and in-depth historical perspective.