Dear colleagues,

Dear friends,

October’s highlight for us was clearly our successful holding of the European Olympic Committees’ (EOC) 52nd General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkiye. The Assembly further reinforced my belief that the Olympic Movement in Europe is in a very strong position ahead of the Olympic Games returning to the continent for Paris 2024 next summer.

We modernised the format of the General Assembly in 2023 and will continue to refine the new model moving forward. I trust that the reports and presentations you received from our EOC colleagues during the General Assembly, as well as those from key stakeholders across the Olympic Movement, will have convinced you too of our shared strength.

Of course, it was a pleasure to speak with many of you in Istanbul. The EOC is here to serve its members. Listening to your views and feedback is vital as we continue to lead the way for the Olympic Movement in Europe. Please allow me to reiterate my thanks to our hosts, the Turkish Olympic Committee, as we now look forward to our 53^rd General Assembly in Bucharest and our 54^th in Frankfurt.

During the General Assembly, we approved changes to the EOC constitution to ensure good governance moving forward. These focused on our plans to employ a CEO, to be based in the Rome Head Office. I am pleased to say that this process is now ongoing and Deloitte, an Olympic Partner Programme (TOP) member, are leading the recruitment.

Meanwhile, like you I am sure, I have been deeply saddened from the acts of violence of the past weeks. We stand with the Fundamental principles of Olympism and sincerely hope that a peaceful resolution to this conflict can be found.

With EurOlympic regards,

Spyros Capralos

EOC President