The European Aquatics 2024 Congress successfully concluded today in Belfast, marking a pivotal moment for the future of aquatic sports across the continent.
The Congress, which followed on from yesterday’s groundbreaking European Aquatics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Conference, brought together key representatives from federations committees and commissions, sponsor partners and other stake holders from the aquatic disciplines including swimming, water polo, artistic swimming, diving, open water and masters. All of them unified in their mission to shape the future of the sport.
Amongst the key decisions made at the Congress were: approval of the financial report and audited results for 2023, confirmation of dates for all the European Aquatics events of the 2025 season (including the first ever European Championship for Open Water, Artistic Swimming and Diving), and voting on Constitutional changes, including a decision to enlarge the Athletes’ Committee, in order to guarantee gender equity for all disciplines, as well as to introduce Athlete Committee elections starting at the 2025 Congress.
EA President Antonio Silva announced that, following an extensive audit by the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), European Aquatics had now achieved, for the first time, a bronze level award as part of the SIRVS initiative recognizing our commitment to good governance, integrity, and transparency in sports administration. This rating and verification system provides independent evaluation of governance principles and structures in sport organisations.
President Silva also highlighted European Aquatics’ leadership in leading efforts to work with European Athletics and European Gymnastics federations on areas of common interest. The first concrete manifestation of this initiative is an agreement between the three sports to co-ordinate the timetables for European Championship events in 2026, 2028 and 2030.
First Vice-President Josip Varvodic, concluding the report from the Bureau, underlined the importance of an historic agreement to sell media rights for the Men’s Water Polo Champions’ League competition for the 2024-2025 season. This agreement, secured with the support of the Nyon Sports Group, shows the potential for growth in Water Polo as an engaging spectator sport.
Other highlights of the Congress included a review of the European Aquatics 2024-2030 Strategic Plan, which was approved earlier this year in Antalya. Delegates were provided with updates on the progress of the plan’s four key pillars, which emphasize athlete welfare, competition innovation, fan engagement, and education & safety. Key initiatives under this strategic framework, such as the newly launched Aquatics Social Responsibility (ASR) Charter and the European Aquatics Academy, reflect European Aquatics’ enduring commitment to sustainability and social impact within the sport.
The Congress also featured presentations from European Aquatics partners, giving attendees a glimpse into exciting upcoming championships.
Technological innovation was another key theme of the Congress, with updates on European Aquatics’ growing digital presence. Earlier this year, the organization launched the EURO AQUA App and tested a new Euro Aquatics TV platform to increase fan access to live events and digital content. The Congress also celebrated European Aquatics’ continued partnerships, including its collaboration with EPAM for digital engineering services.
The 2024 European Aquatics Congress has set a clear path forward, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to growth, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring a vibrant future for aquatic sports across the continent.
