Hello European Aquatics family,
As July draws to a close, the European Aquatics Championships returns to Paris.
The past month has once again demonstrated the strength of our sport. Across Europe, thousands of athletes have taken part in competitions, education programmes and development initiatives, while our staff and volunteers continue to deliver an increasingly broad programme of activities supporting our Member Federations.
This issue reflects that diversity. Alongside reports from our summer championships, you will also find updates on our education programmes, sustainability initiatives and preparations for Paris 2026. Together they demonstrate that European Aquatics is continuing to invest not only in outstanding events, but also in the long-term future of our sports.
So, without further ado, see more below... |
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Paris 2026 is here!
Local organisers and European Aquatics have worked closely together to deliver one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
Final planning and delivery across competition operations, broadcast, media services, venue management and athlete services have been completed.
For the first time, the Championships will unite swimming, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming, high diving and para swimming in a celebration of Europe's aquatic sports, reinforcing the organisation's commitment to innovation and inclusivity. |
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European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026 Press Conference
The European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026 were officially launched on 30 July at a press conference held at the Media Centre inside the Olympic Aquatics Center in the Metropole du Grand Paris.
Moderated by former Artistic Swimming athlete and EA Ambassador Renaud Barral, the event brought together representatives from European Aquatics, the Metropole du Grand Paris, the French Swimming Federation (FFN) , alongside a host of athletes set to compete across the six aquatic disciplines over the coming fortnight. Opening remarks were delivered by European Aquatics Secretary General Noam Zwi, followed by a welcome from Quentin Gesell, Vice-President for Sports of the Metropole du Grand Paris. Lazreg Benelhadj, Deputy President of the FFN, then addressed the room on behalf of the Local Organising Committee, outlining what athletes and spectators can expect from the Championships.
Diver Chiara Pellacani of Italy reflected on their preparation and first impressions of the Olympic Aquatics Centre, while a video message from Ginni van Katwijk of the Netherlands stood in for the High Diving discipline. Artistic Swimming was represented by Ranjuo Tomblin of Great Britain and Lucrezia Ruggiero of Italy, before attention turned to Open Water Swimming star Marc Antoine Olivier, who spoke of the added excitement of competing on home soil. Rounding off the athlete contributions, French ambassadors Alexis Jandard and Virginie Dedieu shared their thoughts on what makes Paris such a special stage for elite competition, and the atmosphere they hope will define the coming weeks. The press conference then opened to questions from attending media before wrapping up to allow the Championships to begin. Within the competition period, a list of other events will be taking place, including: Bureau Meeting Integrity Unit AQUA/EA AS Coaches Clinic (July 30, 20h30, H4 Hotel) OWS Coaches Clinic (August 5, 18h30, TBC) Swimming Press Conference (august 9, 12h, Media Center) EA Media Webinar for National Federations DIV Coaches Clinic (July 31, 18h30, H4 Hotel, Salle Concerto) SWI Coaches Clinic (August 14, 14h00, H4 Hotel, Salle Concerto) Para Swimming Workshop (August 14, 16h15, H4 Hotel, Salle Concerto)
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European Junior Swimming Championships
Europe's leading young swimmers gathered at the iconic Munich Olympic Pool for six days of outstanding racing, confirming once again the depth of talent emerging across the continent.
More than 600 athletes from across Europe competed during the Championships, producing numerous championship records, national age-group records and personal best performances in front of enthusiastic crowds. Beyond the medals, the event provided another important step in the development pathway towards senior international competition.
European Aquatics congratulates the Local Organising Committee, volunteers and all participating federations for delivering another successful edition of the Championships.
Key facts · 602 athletes · 316 men | 286 women · 45 participating federations · Two world junior record, four European junior records, and seven Championship records established |
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European Junior Artistic Swimming Championships The European Junior Artistic Swimming Championships brought together the continent's best young artistic swimmers for five days of impressive technical and artistic performances.
A total of 208 athletes representing 31 federations competed across the programme, showcasing the continued growth of artistic swimming throughout Europe. The Championships once again demonstrated the high technical standard of Europe's emerging generation while providing valuable international experience for future senior athletes.
Key facts · 208 athletes · 31 federations · Full programme of solo, duet, mixed duet and team events. |
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European Junior Open Water Swimming Championships
The European Junior Open Water Swimming Championships Hungary 2026 came to a close at Lake Velence on Sunday 26 July with the mixed team relays, and it was fitting that the host nation should end the week on top of the podium, as they had done four times already in the week.
Hungary were crowned best team, topping the medal table with their best ever medal tally of 13, five of them gold, to claim the title for the sixth time in the last seven editions since 2019, missing out only in 2022. This was comfortably their best return at a European Junior Open Water Swimming Championships. Russia were the closest challengers on the medal table, taking ten medals in total, with Italy completing the top three on five medals, two of them gold.
Germany finished fourth with four medals, also including two golds. France claimed a single gold along with two bronzes, while Spain’s lone medal came in the form of silver.
Key facts · 207 athletes · 26 federations |
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Returning to Paris – Athletes Ready to Create New Memories European Aquatics continued to share the personal stories of athletes preparing to return to Paris.
The Return to Paris series highlighted competitors from across the continent, exploring their journeys to the Championships and the memories that continue to inspire them from previous editions. From established international medallists to rising stars preparing for their biggest championship yet, the series celebrates the personalities and experiences that make European Aquatics unique.
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Paris 2026 – Breakout Stars Alongside Europe's established champions, a new generation is preparing to make its mark.
Throughout July, European Aquatics continued its Breakout Stars series, introducing promising young athletes who have emerged through junior competitions and are now preparing for senior international success. Their stories demonstrate the strength of the European development pathway and the importance of age-group competition in nurturing future champions.
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Masters Championships Continue to Gather Momentum Interest continues to grow in the 2026 European Aquatics Masters Championships, with registrations increasing steadily throughout July.
More than 3,500 registrations have already been received, including over 3,000 athletes, together with coaches, team staff and accompanying family members. Registration remains open until 31 July, with organisers looking forward to welcoming one of the largest Masters communities ever assembled at a European Aquatics event.
Masters competition continues to play an important role within European Aquatics, demonstrating that participation in aquatic sport can remain a lifelong passion while strengthening links between generations of athletes across Europe.
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While there are no European Aquatics water polo matches taking place in July, preparations for an exciting new season are well underway. Club registrations have opened for the 2026/27 European club competitions across both the men's and women's categories, with work progressing towards the Champions League and Euro Cup draws, which will be held in Varna, Bulgaria, on 9 August. The Water Polo Department is also overseeing the summer transfer period while final preparations continue for the European Water Polo Championships U20 tournaments. Oeiras, Portugal, will host the women's competition from 1–7 August and the men's Division 1 event from 10–16 August, while Varna will welcome the men's Elite tournament over the same dates. Attention is also turning to the upcoming Super Cup fixtures, which will launch the new European club season following the completion of the necessary organisational and administrative preparations.
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European Aquatics Leadership Team Meets in Šamorín
Senior leadership and staff from across European Aquatics came together in Šamorín, Slovakia, on 14–15 July for the organisation's annual mid-year strategic meeting, providing an important opportunity to review progress, strengthen collaboration and align priorities ahead of an exceptionally busy second half of 2026.
Representatives from every department participated in two days of presentations, workshops and planning sessions covering sporting operations, communications, education, governance, sustainability, commercial activities and organisational development. Particular attention was given to preparations for the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, the forthcoming Congress and the continued delivery of the organisation's long-term strategic objectives.
Beyond the formal programme, the meeting reinforced the importance of teamwork and cross-department collaboration, ensuring that European Aquatics continues to operate as one organisation while delivering an increasingly diverse programme of activities for Member Federations, athletes and partners across Europe. |
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Aquatics Social Responsibility (ASR) News |
Swim Safe Europe Conference Approaches
Final preparations are underway for the Swim Safe Europe Conference in Paris, which will bring together experts from across Europe to discuss water safety, education and drowning prevention.
The conference continues to attract contributions from researchers, practitioners and national federations, providing an important platform for sharing knowledge and promoting best practice. European Aquatics remains committed to strengthening the role of swimming education as a key public health priority while encouraging wider participation in aquatic activity.
The Call for Papers has now closed, with 7 abstracts approved for presentation during the SSE Conference 2026. The selected contributions will showcase initiatives and research supporting the advancement of aquatic safety and education across Europe.
A further 5 Learn-to-Swim (LTS) programmes have successfully completed the SSE Certification process, bringing the total number of certified programmes to 19. All certified programmes will be officially recognised during the SSE Conference 2026.
The conference takes place on 7-8 August 2026, with attendance possible both in-person and online.
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Building a More Sustainable Future
Sustainability continues to be integrated across European Aquatics events through the ongoing development of the Event Sustainability Certification Programme.
Working closely with Local Organising Committees, European Aquatics is embedding sustainable practices into event planning and delivery while encouraging organisers to reduce environmental impact and promote responsible event management. These initiatives form part of the organisation's wider Aquatics Sustainability & Responsibility strategy, which continues to evolve across all areas of activity.
Work continues on the implementation of the Event Sustainability Certification process, in close coordination with Local Organising Committees (LOCs) and aligned with the European Aquatics Sustainability Charter. To date, 7 LOCs have submitted their applications for certification, demonstrating the continued commitment of European Aquatics events towards more sustainable practices. |
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Women in Aquatics Initiative Continues to Grow
European Aquatics continues to strengthen opportunities for women throughout the aquatic community.
Following the latest Women in Aquatics Network communications, preparations are progressing for the Waves of Change event later this year, which will bring together representatives from across the European aquatic family to exchange experiences, celebrate successful initiatives and encourage greater diversity throughout the sport.
The second newsletter has been shared with members of the Women in European Aquatics Network, continuing to promote knowledge exchange, engagement, and opportunities for collaboration within the aquatic community. |
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European Aquatics Academy Continues to Expand
Education remains one of the organisation's strategic priorities, with the European Aquatics Academy continuing to broaden its programme across all aquatic disciplines. During July, the second edition of the Swimming Level 1 Coaches Course concluded successfully in Malta, while preparations continued for additional editions later this year and in early 2027. Development also continued on new Level 2 coaching programmes together with education opportunities for artistic swimming, diving and water polo coaches.
Alongside coach education, preparations are progressing for several certification programmes for referees, delegates and technical officials, ensuring that European Aquatics continues to support high standards of officiating throughout its competitions.
Coming up in August
WP Jury Table: Water Polo Jury Table Officials Intermediate Certification Clinic 2026-2027: Open Water Swimming Clinic for Officials - Level 3 |
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Developing Officials for the Future
Education extends well beyond coaches. Throughout the summer, work has continued on an extensive programme supporting referees, delegates and jury officials across multiple disciplines.
Preparations are well advanced for the Water Polo Intermediate Certification Courses to be held in Tbilisi later this year, while new online certification opportunities will further improve accessibility for officials from across Europe. These initiatives form part of European Aquatics' commitment to investing in people at every level of the sport.
Look Ahead
The nomination process for the European Aquatics Water Polo Delegates Pool for the 2026/2027 season closed in late July. In 2026, 57 candidates nominated by 31 European Aquatics Member Federations have been certified as Basic Level Technical Delegates. To follow EA policies regarding increasing number of the Women Technical Officials involved in Water Polo, the deadline for proposal of the Women Delegates is increased to 7 August 2026.
All have been invited to attend the Intermediate Certification Clinic 2026/2027 for Water Polo Referees and Delegates, which will take place in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 11–13 September 2026. Only Technical Delegates who successfully complete the clinic and achieve Intermediate Level certification for the 2026/2027 season will be eligible for appointment to European Aquatics Water Polo competitions. Following the close of club registrations for the 2026/2027 European Aquatics Club Competitions, the nomination process for Water Polo Referees is now open and will remain open until 24 August 2026. |
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The summer programme continues with an exciting series of events across Europe.
August · European Aquatics Championships (Swimming, Diving, Artistic Swimming, Open Water Swimming, High Diving, Para Swimming) · Water Polo U20 Women (Oeiras, POR) · Water Polo U20 Men (Elite Division, Varna, BUL) · Water Polo U20 Men (Division 1, Oeiras, POR) |
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