European Aquatics Bureau meets in Antalya for key discussions and planning of 2026 activities

European Aquatics (EA) has held its first in-person Bureau meeting of 2026 at the Gloria Arena in Antalya, Türkiye. Bureau members were able to analyse progress, set priorities, and prepare for a pivotal periodof competitions, innovation and development across aquatic sports.

The Bureau expressed its sincere gratitude to Erkan Yalcin and Gloria Arena General Manager Gorkem Donmez for their outstanding support in hosting the event, ensuring optimal conditions for productive and successful meetings.

Proceedings opened with a minute of silence in memory of Walter Baer, Sport Director of the Austrian Swimming Federation, who passed away unexpectedly on 17 March.

The Bureau reviewed progress across a range of strategic initiatives, including the relocation of EA headquarters to Belgrade. Key milestones have already been achieved, with the next phase focused on finalising the legal framework, selecting office premises, and establishing the staffing structure.

The Bureau also reviewed preliminary competition calendars for 2027 and 2028, with official announcements expected later this year.

Other key sport-related topics included:

• Alignment of EA rules with new World Aquatics regulations where appropriate.
• Expanded integration of para swimming and Special Olympics disciplines.
• Extension of the Water Polo club commission to include two female representatives from Clubs participating in the Women Champions League.
• Introduction of an Artistic Swimming Support programme for team participation in Paris 2026.
• Investment in digital transformation, including data-driven water polo initiatives.

Updates on the EA 2026 Action Plan highlighted continued advancements in several major projects, aligned with the three horizontal pillars and four vertical pillars of the Strategic plan.

The Bureau also confirmed plans to introduce a new Forum during the 2026 Annual Congress, scheduled for 24–26 September, with the venue to be announced shortly.

A major highlight of the meeting was the Bureau’s approval of the overarching concept for the European Aquatics Centenary in 2027 prepared by the European Aquatics Centenary taskforce.

The centenary will serve not only as a celebration of the past, but as a forward-looking vision for the future of European Aquatics.

Next steps include confirming flagship initiatives, advancing detailed planning, engaging stakeholders and partners, and finalising the budget framework.

The Bureau reaffirmed its strong commitment to integrity and transparency, in close alignment with the European Aquatics Integrity Unit. National federations have been encouraged to appoint designated integrity officers. The European Aquatics’ Integrity Officer will attend major events in person with all EA competitions now featuring on-site integrity representatives.

A new interim Integrity Council has been nominated, which will be presented for election by the Congress.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee continues to expand its work, including the launch of a “Female in Aquatics” network, a conference focused on athlete welfare as well as a series of upcoming webinars.

Partnerships were also strengthened, with the arrangement with Swiss Timing extended through 2028 and a new collaboration with Sony agreed for 2026.

While sport and development activities continue to perform in line with expectation, rising travel and accommodation costs were identified as a key pressure on institutional expenses at both continental and national levels.

The next in-person European Aquatics Bureau meeting will take place in August during the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, as preparations continue for a landmark period that will shape both the organisation’s future and its centenary celebrations.

With a clear strategic direction and a full calendar of initiatives, European Aquatics is positioning itself for a dynamic period ahead.

President Antonio Silva emphasised the importance of forward-looking planning:

“I would like to thank my Bureau colleagues, our dedicated staff and all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to prepare and deliver an exciting and important year for European Aquatics with many major events and new initiatives.Their commitment and collaboration are essential as we build for the long-term future of our sport.”

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