Baku; 10 June 2015: The European Olympic Committees (EOC) has received confirmation today that the Dutch government has decided not to proceed with its interest in hosting the 2019 European Games. The EOC will now resume its discussions with five other potential hosts that had previously expressed an interest in staging the European Games, and open up the selection process to fresh expressions of interest. The host selection negotiations will continue to be conducted in private in accordance with the principles we set out at the beginning of this process.

EOC President Patrick Hickey, said:
“This news is disappointing, but we would like to thank the Dutch for their interest. We are confident that these inaugural European Games in Baku will be the ideal showcase for this new event and its long-term sporting, social and economic benefits. I have no doubt that we will be able to present a strong host for the 2019 European Games, but right now our focus remains on ensuring this inaugural edition is the best possible launch pad for Europe’s first continental Games.”