The EOC Executive Committee met in Bucharest in preparation for the organisation's 53rd General Assembly, currently taking place in the Romanian capital.

Chaired by President Spyros Capralos, the Executive Committee's agenda was packed with important updates and reports from the EOC's leadership, including Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi, Treasurer Peter Mennel and newly appointed CEO Dr Jan Lehmann.

A highlight of the meeting was an update on Istanbul's bid to host the 2027 European Games. Executive Committee members reviewed the latest developments, including the proposed sports programme, and discussed the city's robust preparations and plans to host the fourth edition of Europe's premier multi-sport event.

The Executive Committee also received a comprehensive update on the ongoing preparations for the upcoming European Youth Olympic Festivals (EYOF).

During this important meeting, detailed reports were presented on both the Winter EYOF in Bakuriani, Georgia, and the Summer EYOF in Skopje, Northern Macedonia, both scheduled to take place in 2025.

The reports included a thorough review of the logistical plans, sports facilities and organisational measures implemented in both host cities.

The Executive Committee also spent time evaluating various proposals for the selection of host cities for the 2027 editions of the EYOF. The Committee was also informed of the growing interest expressed by several cities to host the 2029 EYOF. 

This early interest underlines the Festival's growing relevance and significant impact on the development and promotion of young talent in European sport and underlines the continued importance of the EYOF for young athletes across Europe.

Reflecting the growing anticipation for the Paris Olympic Games, the Executive Committee members expressed their enthusiasm and optimism. Discussions emphasised the importance of the Games for the European sporting community and the opportunities they offer to athletes across the continent.

In addition to the Executive Board meeting, President Capralos was joined by Executive Board member and President of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, Mihai Covaliu, and President of the Romanian National Sports Agency and five-time Olympic gold medallist, Elisabeta Lipă, for a meeting with the Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, at Government House on the evening of 4 June.

EOC President Spyros Capralos will meet Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on 6 June, together with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, IOC member Octavian Morariu and President Covaliu.

The two-day General Assembly (6-7 June) will hear from President Bach, President Capralos and Dr Jan Lehmann, who was appointed as the EOC's first CEO last month in a move to strengthen the organisation's governance and day-to-day operations.

The General Assembly will discuss topics related to the upcoming Summer and Winter Olympic Games to be held in Europe (Paris 2024 and Milan-Cortina 2026). 

The EOC will present the Janez Kocijančič Award for the best male and female athlete of the European Games Krakow-Małopolska 2023 and announce the winner of the winter edition of the Piotr Nurowski Award, given to an athlete aged between 14 and 18 who has excelled in his or her sport and embodies the Olympic values.

In addition, the EOC member NOCs will vote on Istanbul's bid to host the 2027 European Games, following the success of the third European Games in Poland in 2023.