Dear Colleagues,
Dear Friends,
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it was an incredibly busy and productive period for the EOC and the entire European Olympic Family.
First and foremost, I would like to once again express my sincere thanks for entrusting me with the leadership of the EOC for the next four years. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and as I outlined in my report at the 54th EOC General Assembly in Frankfurt, I am more determined than ever to drive the EOC forward to new heights.
Congratulations to Daina Gudzinevičiūtė and Peter Mennel on their unanimous re-elections as Vice-President and Treasurer, respectively, and to Carlo Mornati, who was elected as our new Secretary General. I look forward to working closely with them and with our entire Executive Committee, six of whom were re-elected in Frankfurt and six of whom are serving for the first time. I was especially pleased to see an equal gender balance in those elections.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Berit Kjøll, Uschi Schmitz, Jean Michel Brun, Djordje Višacki, and Cristina Vasilianov for their valuable contributions and input.
Additionally, I must acknowledge Raffaele Pagnozzi, although I know he will not thank me for bringing up his retirement again. Over many years, his service to the EOC has been exemplary, and I am pleased he has agreed to take on a special adviser role.
Before the General Assembly, we had the privilege of spending a highly successful week in Bakuriani for the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival. The Local Organising Committee, led by Mamuka Khabareli, proved an outstanding host, providing excellent organisation, facilities and weather that allowed Europe’s best young winter athletes to shine.
It was a pleasure to witness the next generation of European stars in action, and the future is looking bright as we eagerly anticipate the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and the French Alps 2030.
Finally, the signing of the Host City Contract for the Istanbul 2027 European Games marks a key milestone on the path to the fourth edition of Europe’s premier multi-sport event. Preparations are progressing in Istanbul, and I remain confident that the Games will reach new heights in two years’ time.
With EurOlympic regards,
President Spyros Capralos
