The extensive agenda included the analysis of the Junior and Cadet Championships, held in Tallinn in February, the update of the financial budget of 2023 and a preparatory report of the U23 Championships in Budapest.
In addition, the COMEX discussed the planned training camp preceding the Milan World Championships, the solidarity programme and a promotional initiative. The European Cup was assigned to Cagliari (ITA) and Heidenheim (GER) and the candidatures for the 2024 Championships were reviewed.
Finally, the most important of the EFC’s activities, the European Championships as an integrated part of the European Games in Krakow were discussed.
The EFC COMEX has decided to adopt the European Olympic Committees (EOC) recommendations concerning Russian and Belorussian fencers, following, at the European level, the example of the FIE, which on world level, pursues the lead of the International Olympic Committees (IOC). Consequently, the EFC will honor actual and subsequent decisions of the EOC.
This alignment is crucial in maintaining fencing within the European Olympic family. Reintegrating and consolidating fencing into the European Games will be a major achievement of the EFC.
Therefore, the EFC COMEX, considering that EFC Congress’ decision to host the 2023 European Championships in Krakow remains unchanged, unanimously decided to maintain, and honor the contracts with the FIE, the Krakow organizing Committee, and the EOC.
Beyond the legal obligations the EFC committed to, the confederation has a moral obligation towards its athletes to not put them at a disadvantage. It has undertaken the organization of the European Championships as part of the European Games and will continue to organize these until successful completion.
The EFC thanks the Polish Fencing Federation for hosting the meeting in Warsaw.
Warsaw, 16 April 2023
