European Athletics has been informed by Norwegian Athletics that despite intensive discussions with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Health, it was unable to obtain an exemption from the strict entry quarantine rules in place due to Covid-19, and therefore that the European Athletics U23 Championships planned for 8-11 July will not take place in Bergen, Norway.
Despite a review earlier this week by the Norwegian government on their policy, it was not deemed possible to grant an exemption for this event, nor was it possible to receive a definitive answer as to when the quarantine requirements in Norway might be lifted. In these circumstances the only option was therefore to cancel the European U23 Championships in Norway.
In the coming days European Athletics will investigate the possibility of finding a new host for the European Athletics U23 Championships at a date later in the summer, most probably after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
European Athletics Interim President Dobromir Karamarinov said: “We understand that this was a difficult decision to make, one which is only due to the current health situation and strict quarantine rules in Norway. We thank Norwegian Athletics and the LOC for all the efforts they have made in trying to obtain an exemption to the quarantine, but most of all we thank them for continuing the preparation work during this very difficult period. I am however very confident that we will be able to find a new host for this age category event which is so important for the athletes at this stage of their career.”
LOC President, and member of the Norwegian Athletics Board, Ragnfrid Llano said: “It is a sad decision to take, but due to the circumstances we had no other choice than to cancel it. We have had a good dialogue with European Athletics all the way, and we have started talking about the possibility to be host for the 2025 European Athletics U23 Championships since we were forced to cancel this year. These plans are also supported by the Councillor of City of Bergen, Roger Valhammer and the Mayor of County of Vestland, Jon Askeland”.