The 50 member NOCs comprising the European Olympic Committees (EOC) as well as Ukrainian NOC delegation Bubka have unanimously approved in principle the Netherlands as hosts of the second edition of the European Games in 2019 at an Extraordinary General Assembly in Belek, Turkey, giving the EOC Executive Committee the mandate to finalise negotiations with the Netherlands Olympic Committee.
The Dutch NOC gave a presentation about their proposed hosting concept for the 2019 European Games, which the EOC membership ratified.
The decision means the EOC Executive Committee and the Dutch NOC will continue its private negotiations until a definitive sporting, commercial and financial plan for the Games is finalised.
EOC President Patrick Hickey said:
"The Dutch have put together a very exciting proposition for the 2019 European Games which fits perfectly with the EOC's strategic approach and prioritises flexibility; sustainability; and world-class quality. I am delighted that the EOC membership agrees and has ratified in principle the Netherlands' proposed hosting concept for 2019.
"I am now very much looking forward to working with them to continue developing their plans."
Prior to the decision about the 2019 European Games, the organisers of the first edition – which is taking place next month in Azerbaijan's capital city, Baku – gave a presentation on their preparations, confirming that Baku is ready to stage a first-class sports event from 12 June to 28 June.
The EOC's Extraordinary General Assembly was the final act of a three-day gathering in Belek, hosted by the Turkish Olympic Committee, which included an Executive Committee meeting, the 36th EOC Seminar and an IOC Olympic Solidarity Forum.
The EOC Seminar started yesterday morning and concluded prior to the Extraordinary General Assembly. Activities this morning included a discussion of Olympic Agenda 2020 from a European perspective and updates from representatives of WADA, the European Union, and organisers of the upcoming European Youth Olympic Festival in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 2015; the Games of the Small States of Europe in Iceland in 2015; and the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, in 2016. Delegates also received a special and inspiring address from EOC Honorary President, Mario Pescante.
The final activity of the session was to select Tarragona as the host of the 37th EOC Seminar next year.
