A new chain europium complex [Eu(2,3-DFBA)(3)center dot(H2O)(2)](n)(2,3-DFBA=2,3-difluorobenzoate) was synthesized by solvent method. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis revealed that Eu3+ ions were linked through 2,3-DFBA groups via alternate bidentate-bridging and tridentate chelating-bridging coordination modes to form a one-dimensional (1-D) polymeric chain. Each Eu3+ ion is eight-coordinated by six O atoms of five 2,3-DFBA ligands; and two water molecules. The abundant hydrogen bonds between chains resulted in a two-dimensional (2-D) network structure. The titled complex crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/c, with a=0.79977(2) nm, b=2.99156(7) nm, c=0.93260(2) nm, and beta=100.691(1)degrees. The complex exhibited strong red fluorescence under ultraviolet light, and the D-5(0)-> F-7(j)(j=0 similar to 4) transitions of Eu3+ ion were observed in its emission spectrum.