As 2025 draws to a close, the President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) has reflected on a year marked by collective achievement, strengthened governance and expanded opportunities for athletes across Europe, emphasizing unity and collaboration within the European Olympic family.
Speaking at the end of a busy 12-month period, the President highlighted his re-election for a second term at the 54th EOC General Assembly in Frankfurt in February as a moment of renewed confidence from Europe’s National Olympic Committees (NOCs). A newly elected Executive Committee for the 2025–2029 term has reinforced the EOC’s commitment to gender balance, while the appointment of Carlo Mornati as Secretary General has helped drive strategic progress across the organisation.
The year also saw a landmark moment for the Olympic Movement with the election of Kirsty Coventry as the first female President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Her early leadership through the “Fit For The Future” process was welcomed by the EOC, which confirmed its intention to continue close cooperation with the IOC. The EOC President was also elected to the IOC Executive Board, joining a body where Europeans now represent more than half of the membership, underlining Europe’s strong influence within global sport.
On the sporting front, the EOC delivered a full and successful events calendar. The Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Bakuriani set a positive tone early in the year, followed by the 20th Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra, which coincided with the host NOC’s 50th anniversary. July saw Skopje host the largest EYOF to date, welcoming more than 4,000 athletes and officials. Despite operational challenges, the event produced world records and record-breaking digital viewership.
Young athletes were again recognised through the Piotr Nurowski Prize, with Bulgarian snowboarder Malena Zamfirova winning the Winter award and Hungary’s Viviana Márton receiving the Summer prize following her Olympic gold medal in Paris. Their success further highlighted the importance of EOC pathway events in developing Europe’s future champions.
Key forums throughout the year, including the 45th EOC Seminar and Olympic Solidarity Forum in Malta and the 8th European Athletes’ Forum in London, strengthened cooperation among NOCs and amplified athletes’ voices. Johanna Talihärm was elected as the new Chair of the EOC Athletes’ Commission, joining the Executive Committee, while appreciation was expressed for the outgoing Chair Alistair Brownlee and departing Commission members.
Relations with the European Union were further reinforced, with European Commissioner Glenn Micallef attending major EOC events in Malta and Brussels. The 7th European Evening of Sport reaffirmed support for the European Model of Sport and highlighted strong institutional cooperation. The EOC also announced leadership succession at its EU Office, with Carlotta Giussani set to succeed retiring Director Folker Hellmund in 2026.
Looking to the future, preparations continued for the European Games Istanbul 2027, with the Host Country Agreement signed and the Coordination Commission established. The EOC also confirmed that hosts for future EYOFs have been secured through 2029, with strong interest beyond that date. Upcoming milestones include the 55th EOC General Assembly in Budapest in June 2026 and the 46th EOC Seminar in Split in October.
Attention now turns to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, which will once again place Europe at the centre of the Olympic stage. With further opportunities ahead, including the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, the EOC leadership expressed confidence in the continued excellence of Europe’s athletes and NOCs.
Concluding the year, the President extended thanks to all NOCs, athletes, Executive Committee members, commissions and EOC staff in Rome and Brussels, praising their dedication and commitment. He expressed optimism for 2026 and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring Europe remains a driving force within the Olympic Movement in the years ahead.
