The closure of a cycle always invites reflection, and that is what the Executive Committee of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) experienced in its last meeting of 2025 in St Paul’s Bay, Malta. More than an administrative gathering, the meeting became a space for balance and projection, where the progress achieved was acknowledged, and the next steps were outlined for the major challenges awaiting European sport in the coming years.

The session was marked by a spirit of collaboration and commitment. Under the leadership of Spyros Capralos, president of the EOC, the members of the Executive reviewed the progress made in the preparations for Istanbul 2027 and celebrated the recent appointment of Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan Çakır as Director General of the Organizing Committee. In addition, reflection was given to the European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje, an event that, beyond record figures in digital audiences, left lessons and learnings that will strengthen the future of this youth gathering.

On the road to Istanbul 2027: an opportunity for unity and growth

The preparation of the European Games in Istanbul was one of the central topics of the meeting. The previous visit of an EOC delegation to Turkey highlighted the host country’s commitment and the willingness to work hand in hand with European sports institutions. Meetings with authorities such as the Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Aşkın Bak, and the President of the Turkish National Olympic Committee, Ahmet Gülüm, reinforced the importance of this event being not only a sports competition, but also a space for cultural integration and the strengthening of Olympic values.

The appointment of Veli Ozan Çakır as Director General of the Organizing Committee brings experience and leadership to a project that is already generating excitement across Europe. With this designation, Istanbul 2027 begins to take shape, projecting itself as an edition capable of leaving a legacy beyond sports, opening doors for new generations to find in sport a pathway of opportunities.

A year of learnings, gatherings, and achievements for European sport

The balance of the EOC also included a grateful look at the European Youth Olympic Festival, held in Skopje, which brought together young athletes from across the continent. The patience and cooperation of the National Olympic Committees were recognized as key elements for the success of the event, which achieved a historic record of 1.36 million visits on EOC.TV, reflecting the interest and connection these types of competitions generate among young audiences.

In addition, the meeting in Malta opened the door to the events that will close 2025. The 45th EOC Seminar and the Olympic Solidarity Forum, with a more participatory and interactive format, will allow the NOCs to share ideas and common challenges. Added to this are the 8th European Athletes’ Forum in London and the European Sport Night in Brussels, which will continue a year in which sport has once again shown that, beyond medals, its true value lies in unity, cooperation, and shared hope.