EOC signs Host Country Agreement with Türkiye for 2027 European Games

The EOC and the Ministry and Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye have formally signed the Host Country Agreement for the 2027 European Games in Istanbul.

The Host Country Agreement underlines the Ministry’s full support for the 4th edition of the European Games in 2027, and builds on the Host City Contract, which was signed earlier this year.

The Agreement was signed by EOC President Spyros Capralos and Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, with preparations continuing to move forward in Türkiye’s largest city.

President Capralos also confirmed the members of the EOC Coordination Commission, who will be led by EOC Executive Committee (ExCom) Member and Romanian NOC President Mihai Covaliu, and oversee preparations over the next 19 months. EOC ExCom member and NOC of Croatia President Zlatko Mateša will serve as Vice-Chair.

The Coordination Commission includes a total of 24 members, bringing representation from across Europe. They will make their first visit to Istanbul in January 2026.

President Capralos thanked the Ministry for its strong commitment to a successful European Games in Istanbul.

President Capralos said: “We knew when Istanbul was selected that we had secured an outstanding host for the 2027 European Games, with a proven reputation for delivering world-class sport events.

“The EOC enjoys an excellent relationship with all stakeholders in Türkiye, and the Host Country Agreement reaffirms the Ministry’s unwavering support for the event.

“We are also pleased to confirm the EOC’s Coordination Commission for Istanbul 2027, and its members will bring great experience and diverse perspectives from across European sport.

“The European Games is Europe’s premier multi-sport event, and we are very excited for Europe’s best athletes to meet in Istanbul in 2027, with many of them competing for a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games.”

Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak said: “Türkiye is honoured to host the 2027 European Games in Istanbul, and today’s signing of the Host Country Agreement demonstrates our Government’s full commitment to delivering an exceptional event.

“Istanbul has a long and proud tradition of hosting major international sporting competitions, and we look forward to welcoming the continent’s finest athletes to our country as they pursue their Olympic dreams.

“We are working in close partnership with the EOC, the Turkish National Olympic Committee and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to ensure the European Games showcase the very best of Turkish sport and hospitality.”

Chair of the EOC Istanbul 2027 Coordination Commission Mihai Covaliu, two-time Olympic medallist in sabre fencing, commented: “I am honoured to lead an extremely committed Coordination Commission for the Istanbul 2027 European Games, and we are all looking forward to our first visit as part of the preparations in January.

“Istanbul is a city with incredible sporting heritage and world-class facilities, and we are committed to working closely with our partners in Türkiye to deliver an outstanding experience for athletes and fans.”

Building on the success of the third European Games in Krakow-Malopolska in 2023, when more than 100 quota spots for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 were awarded, the full sport programme for Istanbul 2027 is being finalised and will form a key part of the Olympic Qualification Systems for many sports ahead of Los Angeles 2028.

4^th EUROPEAN GAMES | ISTANBUL 2027 COORDINATION COMMISSION

Chair

Mr. Mihai COVALIU (ROU) – President NOC Romania, EOC Executive Committee member

Vice-Chair

⁠Mr. Zlatko MATESA (CRO) – President NOC Croatia, EOC Executive Committee member

Members

Mr. Hasan ARAT (TUR) – EOC Executive Committee Ex-Officio Member | EG 2027

Ms. Zaineb AL-SAMARAI (NOR) – NOC President

Mr. Alejandro BLANCO (ESP) – NOC President

Mr. Farid GAYIBOV (AZE) – President European Gymnastics

Mr. Vadym GUTTSAIT (UKR) – NOC President

Mr. Zsolt GYULAY (HUN) – NOC President