In 2000 France, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and United Kingdom started to develop a demonstration mode that became operational in 2002. At that time Belgium and Spain were also connected to FIU.NET. In 2003 another seven FIUs joined FIU.NET during the PHARE Project.

One year later, in 2004, DG MARKT of the European Commission financed the development and expansion of FIU.NET. In 2005 Germany and Finland were connected to FIU.NET. In 2006 the Ministry of Security and Justice of The Netherlands financed FIU.NET, awaiting the upcoming European Commission Grant. In 2007 DG JLS granted the development and expansion of FIU.NET for two years (November 1st 2007 till November 1st 2009). To achieve its goals, the FIU.NET Bureau received a budget, existing of contributions from the European Commission, Partners and connected FIUs.In 2008 FIU.NET was earmarked again for Commission funding after 2009. This Project focussed on paving the way for the future. A future, where the existence of FIU.NET is secured, the IT environment further professionalised and cooperation through FIU.NET is deepened and intensified.

Now, in the Final FIU.NET Project 2011 - 2013, that is financed by DG Home Affairs through another grant, all previous and new ambitions are assembled and put into practise to pave the way for virtual EU-FIU activities. FIU.NET is no longer solely a computer system that connects FIUs; FIU.NET nowadays stands for an intensive and unique collaboration between FIUs in the European Union. A collaboration that is secured by a collective legislation of its own, that is leading in its field, and that brings the potential of exchanging information to the highest possible level.