From the Secretary General
Building the Future:
A Review of Strategic Progress in 2025
As we look back on another year of significant progress, 2025 stands as a powerful testament to our shared commitment to developing European handball in all its vital dimensions—athletic, structural, and strategic. This period was characterised by proactive development and collective success, setting an accelerated pace for the decade ahead. On the court, the calendar delivered a relentless schedule of high-quality competitions across Europe, reaffirming the sport’s magnetic appeal and strengthening its visibility on the global stage. Off the court, we successfully charted a definitive course of long-term institutional development that will shape the future of European handball for many years to come, ensuring stability and continuous elevation.
One of the year’s central and most ambitious achievements has been the comprehensive advancement of the new competition systems for both national teams and clubs. These initiatives were not undertaken lightly. They followed extensive and thorough consultation across the entire handball community, involving players, coaches, clubs, and federations. The resulting frameworks are meticulously designed to inject greater transparency, foster competitive balance, and secure long-term sustainability for our core sporting product. They represent a crucial step in modernising the international and club calendars in a way that maximises benefits across the board, providing greater security and competitive clarity for players, clubs, federations, commercial partners, and, most importantly, our passionate fans alike. This holistic approach ensures that innovation serves the fundamental health of the sport.
Women’s handball continued to stand prominently and centrally on our agenda throughout 2025. Building on the foundational milestones of previous years, we significantly accelerated discussions and critical decision-making processes to drive robust future development of women’s handball. This focus extended beyond just refining competitions; it encompassed strengthening the wider ecosystem supporting female athletes, coaches, officials, and leaders. This dedicated work remains essential as we position women’s handball for a stronger, more visible, and more impactful role across the European sporting landscape, aiming for equality of opportunity and maximum exposure.
In parallel with our sporting and structural developments, planning for the next crucial cycle of audiovisual and marketing rights for the EHF EURO events progressed significantly. This tendering process is not merely a major commercial milestone; it is a profound strategic opportunity. It allows us to ensure that our flagship competitions - the cornerstones of our brand - continue to grow exponentially in global reach, maintain the highest standards of production quality, and amplify the financial and promotional value for all our stakeholders. As we diligently prepare for this next chapter, our focus remains sharply fixed on safeguarding strong, mutually beneficial partnerships and expanding the long-term, sustainable development of the sport.
Our cooperation with national federations and stakeholders was substantially strengthened through a series of major, high-impact events. These included the vital 15th Conference for Secretary Generals and the 18th Conference of Presidents. These gatherings remain critical, indispensable platforms for open dialogue, enhancing transparency, and achieving shared strategic decision-making. The invaluable knowledge exchanged, the organisational priorities aligned, and the collective commitment demonstrated during these events continue to directly shape our strategic direction and ensure cohesion across all operational levels of the EHF.
2025 also allowed us to shine a deserved spotlight on those at the very heart of the sport: the players. The EHF Excellence Awards placed them front and centre, celebrating their incredible on-court achievements while fundamentally recognising their essential role as ambassadors of handball’s core values and unique identity. Their world-class performances inspire millions globally, and their presence on this prestigious stage underscores our steadfast commitment to honouring excellence and elevating the profile of our stars, both on and off the court.
Throughout this landmark year, our progress has been powerfully driven by constructive collaboration with our member federations and by the passionate, tireless contributions of countless individuals across Europe. As the implementation of our ambitious strategic projects moves decisively into its next phase, I express my most sincere gratitude to all who accompany us on this invigorating journey. Together, we continue to build a strong, resilient, and forward-looking handball community—united in purpose and confident in the future.
Yours in sport,
Martin Hausleitner,
Secretary General