From the President
A Vision for the Future: Next Level. Every Game.
As 2025 draws to a close, we find ourselves at the culmination of an extraordinary cycle, one characterised by spectacular action across both club and national team handball. We stand on the verge of 2026 with immense enthusiasm, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead, all driven by a bold vision for the future of European handball.
It was truly an exceptional year for the sport, marked by a constant stream of high-level competition and dedicated collaborative progress; 2025 was defined by exhilarating handball court action, highlighted by the EHF FINAL4 events in Cologne and Budapest that showcased the absolute pinnacle of club handball. Our unwavering commitment to developing the sport’s future was evident in the successful and high-quality Younger Age Category EHF EUROs and Championships, as well as the inaugural Youth Club Trophy.
Beyond the court, our collective sport continued its strong forward trajectory on organisational and technical fronts through a continuous schedule of informative conferences, seminars, conventions, summits, and webinars. It is essential to recognise that this significant progress was enabled by the diligent work of numerous EHF bodies and, crucially, the close cooperation and strategic partnerships with our dedicated professionals.
The momentum culminated with the 17th EHF Ordinary Congress in Andau, Austria. This was far more than a procedural event — it was a definitive declaration of our ambition, encapsulated by the theme: ‘Next Level. Every Game.’
Looking beyond 2030 and into the deep future of our sport, the Congress was a critical junction, providing a new mandate to elevate every single aspect of European handball. The discussions and decisions made were squarely focused on sustained growth and excellence.
As one delegate powerfully noted: “We are laying the foundation for a game that will be even more dynamic, inclusive, and global by 2035.” This sentiment was echoed by another key takeaway: “Our commitment isn't just to the elite competitions; it’s to ensuring that development, from grassroots to the Member Federations, is also taken to the next level.” These soundbites confirm the EHF’s collective determination to secure the sport's long-term standing and vitality.
The significant achievements in 2025 could not have been accomplished without the dedication, tenacity, and competence of our partners and stakeholders. Their belief in our mission to take European handball to the next level is a powerful engine for our shared success, from the biggest EHF EURO stages to the grassroots level.
Simultaneously, the focus of the national team efforts is now firmly centred on the highly anticipated Men’s EHF EURO 2026 co-hosted by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, an event designated to embody 'Pure Greatness'.
Beach handball, with the attractiveness of a dynamic sport in a different environment and its growing media popularity, continues to be a relevant part of our sport; in 2025, this was clearly seen from the top events held in Türkiye and Portugal. In addition to other activities, we are working on the elevation of wheelchair handball; here, we can also register the growing interest.
As we look at the road ahead and the pivotal year of 2026, the priority of the European Handball Federation will be the further elevation of club and national team handball. Substantial opportunities are awaiting our Member Federations, both within the competitive arena and through strategic partnerships.
Moreover, to redefine the future of our sport, the EHF Executive Committee has ratified key enhancements to solidify the long-term vitality of the club ecosystem. This notably includes the expansion of the EHF Champions League and the introduction of a revamped playing format for the EHF European League. These changes collectively assure a substantial increase in high-level match fixtures for our fans and clubs.
Mid-term, the revision of the qualification systems for major events, in particular, the European qualification to the 2031 IHF World Championships, starting in 2028 — a calendar adaptation, and, as a flagship event, the European Handball Games in September 2030 will boost handball Europe-wide.
Next to the visible part of the sport, all the activities in the areas of technical work, the many conferences, webinars — simply the work on the expert level — are key for the development of the sport and will be continued in the coming year.
We look forward to continuing the handball journey with you in 2026, and we are ready to continue to dedicate ourselves to advancing European handball, truly expressing the spirit of ‘Next Level. Every Game.’ — now with a renewed mandate and a bold vision that stretches to 2030 and far beyond!
Yours sincerely,
Michael Wiederer
President