The 174th European Athletics Council Meeting concluded on Thursday (24) in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia where some key development, competition and governance decisions were made along with the next stage of the Focus Federation Programme with the Luxembourg Athletics Federation invited to present to the Council.
On the first day of the Council Meeting, the 2027 European Running Championships was awarded to Belgrade, Serbia.
Luxembourg Athletics Federation completes Focus Federation Programme
A delegation from the Luxembourg Athletics Federation gave a presentation to the European Athletics Council on the second day of the European Athletics Council Meeting on Thursday (24) morning in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia.
The presentation marked the final part of the Focus Federation Programme, an initiative which inaugurated in 2017 and is open to all Member Federations who do not have any representation on the European Athletics Council. The main objective of the programme is to further strengthen ties and communication within the European Athletics fraternity.
The delegation was headed by Luxembourg Athletics Federation President Stephanie Empain and some of the main topics included the internal structure of the federation; community projects including primary school engagement; the development of their safeguarding programme which has received national recognition; and their efforts to adhere to the country’s zero waste policy.
The delegation also briefed the European Athletics Council on their plans to host the 2029 Small States of Europe Games in a new national stadium replete with an eight-lane track and a warm-up stadium with four lanes.
Empain was joined in Skopje for the presentation to the European Athletics Council by the Federation’s General Secretary Steve Helminger and General Director Jean-Sebastien Dauch.
“Athletics for All” to be launched at Convention
A report from the Development Commission included its progress with an emphasis on three critical pillars: sustainability, leadership and health and well-being.
Key highlights included the approval of an Educational Plan for 2025, outlining upcoming activities and strategies to foster growth across all federations.
In-keeping with the themes of health and well-being, the ‘Athletics for All’ concept was presented at the European Athletics Council ahead of its launch at the European Athletics Convention which begins in Skopje tomorrow (25).
The new concept aims to encourage broader participation across all levels of athletics, making the sport accessible and inclusive.
Primož Feguš was also appointed by the European Athletics Council as the latest addition to the Development Commission.
Biomechanical project gathers pace
The European Athletics Council reviewed and approved the proposed schedule for all upcoming European athletics events, including the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships.
A new policy was also introduced and approved for conducting biomechanical studies at European Athletics events. This policy will help standardise and improve performance analysis and injury-prevention measures at future competitions.
Governance updates
The Governance and Integrity Commission Chair also shared updates on governance reforms, particularly in preparation for the 2025 Congress which takes place in Batumi, Georgia on 23 October.
Key decisions included the creation of an Election Oversight Panel and an Integrity Officer Role. Both proposals were well-received by the Council and approved for implementation ahead of the Congress.
A continuing focus of the commission also includes further development safeguarding and human rights programmes and policies.