Dear Colleagues,
Dear Friends,
The 55th EOC General Assembly in Budapest is rapidly approaching. Our General Assemblies are important occasions that bring together all European National Olympic Committees for a range of updates and discussions on the topics that matter most to us. This year, it will take place at a time of both great change and great excitement for the Olympic Movement in Europe.
We are especially honoured that this will be the first EOC General Assembly attended by IOC President Kirsty Coventry since she took office almost one year ago. Our relationship with the IOC is stronger than ever, and this is an important foundation for the success of the EOC.
I am particularly looking forward to hearing President Coventry’s update on the IOC’s Fit for the Future process ahead of the Extraordinary 146th IOC Session in Lausanne, which also takes place next month from 24-25 June. Fit for the Future has been a truly holistic and consultative process and will help to protect and advance our Olympic Movement which is so central to our shared values.
June will also see us reach the one-year-to-go milestone for the 4th European Games Istanbul 2027. The EOC and our friends in Türkiye fully understand the importance of the European Games for athletes and NOCs, particularly as an opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games. You will hear further updates on preparations in Budapest, and I hope this will help to answer any pressing questions you have.
The Piotr Nurowski Prize is always a highlight of these occasions as we celebrate the achievements of Europe’s best young athletes. The calibre of applications for the 14th Summer edition of the Piotr Nurowski Prize was so high that we have selected six finalists for our NOCs to vote on at the General Assembly. The future of sport in Europe is looking extremely bright!
Aside from preparations for Budapest and Istanbul 2027, hard work has remained active throughout May. Our Marketing, Communication and Esports Commissions held a successful joint meeting in Šamorín to discuss key strategic priorities across marketing, communications and digital development, while our Sustainability & Active Society Commission met in Bucharest and focused on ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainability efforts across the European Olympic Movement.
Many thanks to you all for your continued dedication and support of the EOC’s activities, and I look forward to seeing you all in Budapest.
With EurOlympic regards,
Spyros Capralos
EOC President
