Helsinki chosen to host 2030 European Athletics Championships

The European Athletics Association announced in Lausanne that Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium will host the 2030 European Athletics Championships, beating a competing bid from Brussels. The choice was made by the EA board’s 17 eligible voters through an open hand-vote. Riikka Pakarinen, chair of the Finnish Athletics Federation, described the outcome as the result of a three-year bid effort and a launch for operational work to create a memorable experience for athletes and spectators.

Helsinki mayor Daniel Sazonov highlighted the city’s capability as an international event destination and expressed enthusiasm for welcoming Europe’s top athletes. The Finnish federation indicated that state support for the event will be provided, though exact amounts were not disclosed. Ticket sales are planned to begin in 2027, and the championships will take place in August 2030 for one week, adding to Helsinki’s legacy of hosting past European championships in 1971, 1994 and 2012.