The Executive Board of the European Weightlifting Federation -EWF- held its final official meeting of the year on 31 December 2025, during which it adopted several decisions affecting the continental competition calendar for 2026, with a particular focus on youth and junior categories.
Among the decisions taken was the cancellation of the 2026 European Junior and U23 Weightlifting Championships, which were scheduled to be held in Poland. The EWF explained that the decision followed the host country’s failure to provide the required guarantees regarding visa access for athletes from Russia and Belarus.
Sport above politics in EWF decision-making
In its official communication, the European Weightlifting Federation reiterated its position in favour of equal opportunities and non-discrimination in sport, stressing that “sport must remain above politics” and that access to competition should be ensured “without political barriers” for all athletes.
The EWF stated that these considerations were decisive in cancelling the event and recalled its ongoing commitment to protecting athletes’ rights to compete under fair conditions within its official competitions.
Albania to host European Junior and U23 Championships
In addition to cancelling the European Junior and U23 Championships initially awarded to Poland, the Executive Board confirmed changes to the calendar of the European Youth Championships. The event originally planned to take place in Albania will not be held within the initially scheduled timeframe for 2026.
As part of this reorganisation, Albania will now host the European Junior and U23 Weightlifting Championships in October 2026, as confirmed by the European Weightlifting Federation following the Executive Board meeting.
Venue for European Youth to be decided in January 2026
With regard to the younger age categories, the EWF indicated that a final decision on the host venue for the 2026 European Youth and U15 Championships will be taken at the Executive Board meeting scheduled for January 2026. The European Weightlifting Federation explained that this process forms part of a broader review of the youth competition calendar, aimed at ensuring the proper organisation of continental events and compliance with regulatory and logistical requirements by host countries.
In its statement, the European Weightlifting Federation reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the values of sport and supporting young athletes across Europe, noting that its decisions are guided by principles of inclusion, respect and solidarity that underpin its continental governance.
