EOC Executive Committee discusses 4th European Games Istanbul 2027preparations
The European Olympic Committees (EOC) Executive Committee held its first meeting of the year in Rome, Italy, with preparations for the 4th European Games Istanbul 2027 at the centre of discussions alongside a reflection on the success of European athletes at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
In his report, EOC President Spyros Capralos highlighted the continued collaboration between all stakeholders 15 months ahead of the Games. EOC Coordination Commission (CoCom) Chair Mihai Covaliu gave an overview of developments from an EOC perspective following the first CoComm visit to Istanbul in January.
President Capralos said: “Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026 have marked a new era for the Olympic Movement, and Istanbul 2027 is approaching quickly. Our working relationships with all stakeholders including the Turkish Government, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the National Olympic Committee are strong, and their commitment is clear. Our commercial foundations are growing stronger, and our athletes continue to show Europe at its best.”
The ExCom was joined by representatives from the Turkish Olympic Committee, Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Istanbul 2027 Organising Committee, who provided an update on progress in the host city following the first EOC Coordination Commission meeting in January. Istanbul 2027 Organising Committee CEO Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan Çakir addressed the ExCom directly, setting out the current state of preparations from the host city’s perspective.
Following the Istanbul 2027 report, President Capralos was joined by Turkish Olympic Committee Secretary General Neşe Gündoğan and Prof. Dr. Çakir, with Acting Mayor of Istanbul Nuri Aslan participating remotely, to sign an amendment to the Host City Contract formally incorporating the Istanbul 2027 Organising Committee.
ANOC Secretary General, Gunilla Lindberg, presented her written report, highlighting ANOC’s ongoing engagement with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) across all continents. She emphasized the organisation’s active communication efforts, including regular reports delivered at various regional meetings and a series of webinars that typically reach around 60 NOCs each session.
She also noted the extensive coverage provided by ANOC.TV at various Games and sporting events, helping to showcase the work and achievements of NOCs worldwide. In addition, she informed the Executive Board about a joint photography project involving 35 NOCs, developed in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Special attention was given to ANOC’s partnership with Peak, which provides 47 NOCs with free team uniforms for all Olympic and Youth Olympic Games through to 2032, supporting athletes and delegations with essential uniforms.
The EOC Executive Board was also updated on preparations for the XXVIII ANOC General Assembly, which will take place in Hong Kong, China from 7-10 December. Preparations include the election process for the next ANOC President as well as the organisation of the ANOC Awards.
Finally, the Secretary General expressed her appreciation to the European Olympic Committees (EOC) for their strong cooperation within the Sustainability, and Digital Communications commissions. She also highlighted ANOC’s ongoing work within the Coordination Commissions (CoComs) for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, as well as the 2030 Winter Games, where ANOC has now been invited to participate.
The meeting continued with a report by EOC Marketing Commission Chair Franjo Bobinac, followed by a presentation from EOC’s recently appointed marketing partner, PACE, which outlined its marketing and commercial strategy for the organisation.
The next EOC ExCom meeting will take place on 11 June in Budapest, Hungary, ahead of the 55th EOC General Assembly from 12-13 June.
