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Türkiye and the European Olympic Committees (EOC) signed the Host Country Agreement for the 2027 European Games, which will take place in Istanbul.
Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askın Bak and EOC President Spyros Capralos signed the agreement.
Members of the EOC Coordination Commission, led by EOC Executive Committee member and Romanian Olympic Committee President Mihai Covaliu, were also approved as part of the process. The commission will oversee preparations for the next 19 months.
Bak said Türkiye feels proud to host the event and stressed the government’s determination to deliver a major international competition. He pointed to Istanbul’s long tradition of staging global sports events and said the country looks forward to welcoming Europe’s best athletes.
“We look forward to welcoming Europe’s top athletes as they pursue their Olympic dreams,” he said, adding that the ministry continues to work closely with the EOC, the Turkish National Olympic Committee and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
Capralos thanked the ministry for what he described as a strong commitment to ensuring a successful event.
He said Istanbul’s selection gave the EOC “an exceptional host with a proven reputation for staging global sports events” and noted that the organisation maintains strong cooperation with all partners in Türkiye.
“The agreement once again confirms the ministry’s full support,” he said. He also underlined the importance of the newly approved Coordination Commission, whose members bring experience from across European sport.
Covaliu said leading the commission is an honour and described the group as highly dedicated. “We look forward to our first visit in January,” he said, adding that Istanbul’s sporting heritage and world-class facilities offer a strong foundation for the games.
He noted that the commission aims to work closely with partners in Türkiye to deliver an exceptional experience for athletes and fans.
The signing of the agreement marks the official start of preparations for Istanbul’s role as host of the 2027 European Games.
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