Strengthening Ties and Olympic Values at the EOC General Assembly
From 28 February to 1 March 2025, the 54th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) took place in Frankfurt, Germany, gathering Europe’s National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and key figures from across the Olympic Movement. Now, with some distance, we reflect on the event and its importance for the European Olympic Academies (EOA) and the broader Olympic community.
Represented by its President, Prof. Manfred Laemmer, the EOA used the occasion not only to follow the essential strategic discussions but also to engage in bilateral meetings with NOC representatives and institutional partners. These conversations opened new avenues for collaboration, particularly strengthening the network of the Olympic Family in Europe.
Key outcomes of the Assembly included the re-election of Spyros Capralos as EOC President, ensuring continuity in leadership, as well as the re-election of Vice President Daina Gudzinevičiūtė and Treasurer Peter Mennel. The election of Carlo Mornati as the new Secretary General and the formation of the new Executive Committee for the 2025–2029 term marked significant milestones in shaping the future direction of the EOC. The EOA warmly congratulates all newly elected and re-elected representatives and wishes them the very best in their upcoming tasks and responsibilities as they further advance the European Olympic Movement.
Another important highlight was the signing of the Host City Contract for the European Games 2027, which will be held in Istanbul. Updates on forthcoming events, such as the European Youth Olympic Festivals (EYOF) in Skopje 2025 and Brașov 2027, further illustrate the dynamism within European sport.
Beyond the official programme, the Assembly reaffirmed the spirit of collaboration and the shared commitment to Olympic values, goals to which the EOA remains deeply committed. The meaningful exchanges held in Frankfurt have reinforced the EOA’s mission to foster Olympic education and promote safeguarding across Europe.
A Special Honour: Prof. Agajan Abiyev Receives the EOC Olympic Laurel Award
A particularly proud moment during the Assembly was the recognition of Professor Agajan Abiyev, President of the National Olympic Academy of Azerbaijan, who was awarded the prestigious EOC Olympic Laurel Award.
The EOC Olympic Laurel Award, presented in honour of outstanding service to the Olympic Movement, was bestowed upon Professor Abiyev for his lifelong dedication to advancing Olympic ideals. With over 50 years of contributions to Azerbaijani and international sports, Professor Abiyev has played a pivotal role in the development of Olympic education, scientific research in sports, and the promotion of Olympic values within society.
A long-standing leader in the Olympic community, Professor Abiyev served as Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan and contributed significantly to the country’s participation in the Olympic Games. His influence extends into academia, where he has worked tirelessly to integrate Olympic education into the academic curricula and sports sciences.
From the perspective of the EOA, this recognition carries additional personal and institutional meaning. Professor Abiyev was a pioneer of European cooperation and an advocate for dialogue and collaboration among National Olympic Academies across the continent. His vision and dedication were instrumental in shaping the path toward the founding of the EOA. In the years prior to its establishment, Professor Abiyev and his team hosted several key conferences in Baku, which provided essential platforms for exchange and coordination. These gatherings were of decisive importance for the successful formation of the European Olympic Academies.
The EOA is thus not only honoured to see one of its members receive such a distinguished award but also deeply grateful for Professor Abiyev’s longstanding commitment and contribution. His legacy continues to inspire our shared mission to foster Olympic education and cooperation in Europe.
