The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national teams governed by UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations). Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current name in 1968. Starting with the 1996 tournament, specific championships are often referred to in the form "Euro 2008" or whichever year is appropriate. Prior to entering the tournament all teams other than the host nations (which qualify automatically) compete in a qualifying process.
Spain have participated in nine UEFA European Football Championships, from which they won three tournaments. Spain became European champions at home in 1964, at Austria/Switzerland 2008 and Poland/Ukraine 2012.