Following a satisfactory first edition of the European Rowing Championships in Poznan, Poland this week-end, where 31 nations took part, delegates from the Rowing Federations of European nations gathered this week-end to hold their first General Assembly to discuss the next steps for this new continental event.
The main outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the constitution document which had been drafted on the basis of discussions during the first meeting in Munich, Germany, last year. The document sets out the articles and principles of the championships, role and duties of the European Management Board, the voting process for appointing the management board and Chairman, as well as a section on competition rules, rules for regatta organisers and for the bidding process.
Members also voted to appoint a seventh member of the board who shall be elected by the federations to make a total of four members elected by the federations and three members appointed by the FISA Council. This seventh election will be conducted by postal vote during the coming weeks.
The assembly discussed the proposal of starting a Junior European Rowing Championships. After much discussion, it was decided that a full assessment of the needs for such a new event would be undertaken, bearing in mind the challenges of an already very busy international rowing season, scheduling of Junior events around school terms, and other nation-specific issues.
The delegates from 29 European Rowing federations (out of 43 eligible nations) then voted to attribute the 2009 European Rowing Championships to the City of Brest, Belarus. Brest was the only candidate, but convinced the delegates thanks to their new, state-of-the-art regatta course which will also be hosting the 2010 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.
For the time being, five venues have indicated their interest in bidding for the 2010 edition: Strathclyde (Great Britain), Belgrade (Serbia), Trakai (Lithuania), Hamburg or Brandenburg (Germany), Montemor-O-Velho (Portugal). Due to the late staging of the 2010 World Rowing Championships in New Zealand, the 2010 European Rowing Championships may be organised at a slightly different time of year.
The Greek Rowing Federation gave a short update on their progress in preparing for the 2008 European Rowing Championships in Marathon, Greece on the 2004 Olympic Regatta course. Announced accommodation prices are Euro 105.- for single rooms and Euro 84.- in twin room accommodation. All hotels offered are four-star and will cater on a full-board basis.
The 2008 European Championships will be held over three days, based on the experience from this year's number of entries, from 19 to 21 September 2008.