26.02.2025
City of Helsinki committed to bidding for the 2030 European Athletics Championships
The City of Helsinki is committing to the bidding process for the 2030 European Athletics Championships in collaboration with the Finnish Athletics Federation (SUL). The City has made a decision confirming its participation in the bid, which is being led by the Finnish Athletics Federation.
“Helsinki has successfully served as the host city for major international sporting events and sports activities decade after decade. The European Athletics Championships are of such a scale that it is worthwhile for both Helsinki and Finland to pursue them. The Championships would bring positive experiences to both Helsinki residents and Finns,” says Paavo Arhinmäki, Helsinki’s Deputy Mayor responsible for sports and physical activity.
“In addition to bringing joy and excitement to us Finns, major events also have a significant economic impact. Along with international exposure, high-profile competitions such as the European Championships generate jobs for local residents and businesses, and bring tax revenue to the government through tourism.”
Final decision on the host city in Autumn 2026
In addition to Helsinki, Zurich (Switzerland) and Brussels (Belgium) are also participating in the bidding process for the 2030 European Athletics Championships. In the next phase, SUL will submit the bid book to European Athletics (EA) in June, together with the Finnish government and the City of Helsinki.
“In this upcoming stage, the City of Helsinki will define its organisational obligations and responsibilities with the Finnish Athletics Federation, as well as the benefits the City would receive if SUL secures the European Championships. The City will make its financial commitment to the event on the same schedule as the Ministry of Education and Culture and the state,” says Jukka-Pekka Ujula, City Manager of the City of Helsinki.
The bidding process will continue in October after the bid book is submitted when the EA bidding committee led by Sylvia Barlag visits Helsinki. Based on the information gathered by the committee, EA will narrow the field of bidders to two in March 2026. The EA Board will make its final decision on the host city in October 2026.
Total economic impact on Helsinki estimated at €64 Million
Earlier, the City of Helsinki and the Ministry of Education and Culture commissioned a study on the projected impacts of hosting the European Athletics Championships for Helsinki and Finland.
“According to the study, the 2030 European Athletics Championships would bring an estimated €64 million to Helsinki. In addition to the direct economic effects, the event would boost Helsinki’s visibility and reputation, particularly in European markets,” says Sanna Forsström, Head of Brand & Events of the City of Helsinki.
Tarja Loikkanen, Director of Sports for the City of Helsinki, believes that major sporting events also influence the number of people engaging in physical activity.
“Sports events offer visible role models for all ages—particularly young people—to take up physical activity and increase their sense of inclusion,” Loikkanen says.
“For the European Championships, Helsinki also has the necessary facilities in place. We can offer a fully renovated, covered Olympic Stadium that meets international championship standards and is steeped in athletics history.”
Riikka Pakarinen praises the Finnish model under development
Riikka Pakarinen, Chairperson of the Finnish Athletics Federation, is pleased with Helsinki’s decision to commit to the bid.
“Finland and Helsinki’s strengths in bidding for the European Championships lie in our reputation as an excellent organiser of major competitions, short distances between venues, and the renovated Olympic Stadium. It provides top-tier facilities for a communal experience that brings together and engages the entire nation,” says Pakarinen.
She also commends the ‘Finnish model’ for bidding on major sports events, which is being developed in collaboration with Helsinki and the government.
“The competition to host major events in Europe is extremely tough. That is why, together with the government and the City of Helsinki, we have been creating this Finnish model for international bids, ensuring Finland’s competitiveness in securing major sports and physical activity events.”
Harri Aalto, CEO of the Finnish Athletics Federation, sees hosting the European Championships in Helsinki as a significant opportunity for Finnish athletics.
“In international athletics competitions during the 2020s, Finland has made a return to medal-winning form. It would be fantastic to give Finnish athletes the opportunity to compete in a major championship on home soil,” says Aalto.
__________
Source: Press release of City of Helsinki & Finnish Athletics Federation, 26.2.2025
Picture: Juho Sallinen. Back row from the left; Jukka-Pekka Ujula (Helsinki), Riikka Pakarinen (SUL), Paavo Arhinmäki (Helsinki), Harri Halme (EM 2030) – front row from the left; Sanna Forsström (Helsinki), Tarja Loikkanen (Helsinki), Harri Aalto (SUL).
More information:
Riikka Pakarinen, Chairperson, Finnish Athletics Federation (SUL)
+358 40 580 0833, riikka.pakarinen@sul.fi
Harri Halme, Project Manager, Helsinki EM 2030
+358 40 7545104, harri.halme@welho.com
Sanna Forsström, Head of Brand and Events Unit, City of Helsinki
+358 40 531 3713, sanna.forsstrom@hel.fi
Tarja Loikkanen, Director of Sports, City of Helsinki
+358 40 334 2098, tarja.loikkanen@hel.fi