The European Athletics Council met for a three-day meeting in Sarajevo (2-4 May) to deliberate on strategic developments, competition innovations, and governance matters shaping the future of the sport across the continent.
Dobromir Karamarinov, President of European Athletics said: “It was a very productive European Athletics Council meeting in Sarajevo and I would like to give special thanks to our hosts from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Federation for their hospitality, professionalism, kindness and generosity.”
“Thank you also to all the council members, and LOCs and Member Federation guests who contributed to a programme of stimulating and innovative series of presentations and discussions that gave us all confidence that our sport is progressing in a very healthy direction.
“Together as a European athletics family, we can look to the future years with real excitement and optimism.”
Christian Milz, CEO, European Athletics, said: “As ever, it was a very rewarding and valuable few days spent with colleagues across the sport, all unified in their commitment to grow and develop athletics across Europe. Thank you to everyone for their contribution to a very successful European Athletics Council meeting.”
Three new events for Birmingham 2026
European Athletics Council approved changes to the programme of the European Athletics Championships (subject to the approval of the European Athletics Congress in Batumi, Georgia on 25 October).
The race walking events at Birmingham 2026 and beyond will now be contested over half marathon and marathon distances rather than 20km and 35km for men and women, but when the European Athletics Championships take place in Olympic years, only the half marathon race walk will take place.
Additionally, a new 4x100m mixed relay competition will be held for the first time at Birmingham 2026. The 4x400m mixed relay was successfully introduced at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships and was won by Ireland. This new event brings the tally for the popular relay events across men’s and women’s and mixed disciplines to six.
Birmingham 2026 and Madrid 2026 on track
Presentations made on the Madrid 2025 European Athletics Team Championships 1st Division and Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships revealed the organisers to be well on track for a successful event.
Cherry Alexander OBE, Vice President of European Athletics and Championship Director for Birmingham 2026 said: “It was a very exciting day in Sarajevo, with the Athletic Ventures team updating European Athletics Council on the progress of Birmingham 2026.
“We covered the timetable, broadcast, ticketing plans, social impact and plans for the out of stadium marathon and race walks and we received a very pleasing response, acknowledging the innovative ideas, professionalism and progress to date as we build towards delivering a spectacular European Athletics Championships in 2026.”
The Council approved the qualification standards and the Road to Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships as well as the qualifications standards for the Rieti 2026 European Athletics U18 Championships.
After the first two editions of the European Off Road Championships in El Paso 2022 and Annecy 2024, the event was reviewed and approval was given to revamp the championships concept, including changing the name and business model towards a more attractive event to hosts, participants and fans.
The Council were updated on Governance matters and then approved the proposed Human Rights Policy, European Athletics Safeguarding Policy and Regulations and as well as European Athletics Code of Ethics review in the preparation for 2025 European Athletics Congress later this year.
Denmark in focus
And in the area of Development, the Council received updates of the different projects highlighting progress around the new Athletics for All initiative and environmental sustainability strategy. Within the Focus Federation Programme the Danish Athletics Federation had their final presentation to the Council.
The programme allows for closer collaboration between European Athletics and individual Member Federations, providing mutual support to help develop the relationship, identify shared goals and better develop athletics in their country.
“We are truly honoured to be part of the European Athletics Focus Federation Programme,” said Klaus Nørby Jakobsen, CEO of Danish Athletic Federation.
“This initiative offers a valuable opportunity for Danish Athletics to strengthen our strategic direction and enhance collaboration within the broader European athletics community. We look forward to exchanging knowledge, learning from our peers, and fostering innovation across all levels of our sport.
“Our particular focus is on building sustainable structures that support our fan engagement, youth development, and elite performance—laying the foundation for long-term growth of athletics in Denmark.”
As the host federation for this Council meeting the Bosnia and Herzegovina Athletics Federation had the opportunity to meet with the Council and present their structure and strategy.
The Audit Report and Financial Reports for 2024 were presented to council and will be subject of validation at Congress 2025, which will be the focus for the next European Athletics Council meeting scheduled for 29 August in Lausanne, Switzerland.