Following Executive Committee approval of the bidding process for the 2023 European Games last week, the European Olympic Committees (EOC) has now sent all 50 European National Olympic Committees (NOCs) the 2023 Bid Document along with a letter from EOC President Janez Kocijančič and Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi inviting any interested NOCs and cities to visit the EOC headquarters in Rome for a daylong introduction session.
 
The Bid Document details the requirements for potential hosts and outlines the timeline of milestones leading up to the announcement of a 2023 Host City in June 2019. The deadline for Bid submissions is 28 February 2019.
 
“We are excited to get the process under way and are confident, having already spoken with a number of interested parties, that we will have a strong pool of cities from which to choose a host,” President Kocijančič said. “We are looking forward to working with our NOCs to raise awareness of the European Games and discussing the many potential benefits and legacies the event can bring cities and regions.”
 
The European Games are the only pan-European multisport event directly aligned to the Olympic Games. Taking place every four years, the Games aim to deliver an exceptional and sustainable elite event that celebrates Europe’s finest athletes. The Games also act as a crucial milestone for athletes, officials, NOCs, sports federations, and audiences on the road to the Olympic Games.
 
The EOC has invited any city or cities interested in hosting Europe’s premier multisport event to enter into a discussion with their NOCs and the EOC to learn more about the concept and vision of the Games and to examine all key opportunities.
 
“We are confident that in terms of value for money and outlay required, the European Games represent an excellent opportunity for cities, countries and their citizens,” Kocijančič added. “The Games are not only an opportunity for the Host City to give value to their potential, but also an unprecedented moment of inclusion for our entire continent, spreading the upright values of Olympism and inspiring young people around the world.”
 
The EOC aims to deliver a European Games that embodies integrity, excellence, solidarity and innovation. The 2nd edition of the European Games will take place in Minsk, Belarus from 21-30 June 2019.