The subcommittee deals with all matters concerning U.S. relations with the countries in Europe and the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and regional intergovernmental organizations like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (except the states of Central Asia that are within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs). This subcommittee's regional responsibilities include all matters within the geographic region, including matters relating to: (1) terrorism and non-proliferation; (2) crime and illicit narcotics; (3) U.S. foreign assistance programs; and (4) the promotion of U.S. trade and exports.

In addition, this subcommittee has global responsibility for regional security cooperation.