The French bid won the vote 7-6 at the expense of Turkey, who have never hosted a major championship.

Italy, the third bidder, were eliminated in the first round of voting.

"Right now I’m overwhelmed just thinking that France will welcome the Europe of football," French Football Federation President Jean-Pierre Escalettes said.

"What matters to us is to have the trust of UEFA and that trust will not be betrayed."

France hosted the tournament twice in 1960 and 1984. It also staged the World Cup in 1938 and 1998.

Poland and Ukraine will host Euro 2012.