European Aquatics held its first in-person Bureau meeting of 2026 at the Gloria Arena in Antalya, Türkiye, where officials reviewed progress, set priorities and planned for a busy year ahead.
The meeting began with a minute of silence in memory of Walter Baer, Sport Director of the Austrian Swimming Federation, who passed away on 17 March.
Among the main topics discussed were the planned relocation of the European Aquatics headquarters to Belgrade, preliminary competition calendars for 2027 and 2028, and continued alignment with new World Aquatics regulations.
The Bureau also addressed the wider integration of para swimming and Special Olympics disciplines, investment in digital development, support for artistic swimming teams ahead of Paris 2026, and the extension of the water polo club commission to include female representation from Women Champions League clubs.
Officials also approved the overall concept for the European Aquatics Centenary in 2027, which will combine celebration of the past with a forward looking vision for the future of the sport.
Integrity, transparency and inclusion remained key themes, with national federations encouraged to appoint integrity officers, while the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee continues expanding initiatives such as the Female in Aquatics network and athlete welfare programmes.
European Aquatics also confirmed that its next in person Bureau meeting will take place in August during the European Aquatics Championships in Paris.
President Antonio Silva thanked Bureau members, staff and volunteers for their efforts, stressing that their commitment will be essential in shaping an important year for the organisation.
