European Aquatics workshop sharpens focus on 2026 priorities

European Aquatics brought together its staff and leadership team in Antalya on 26 March aimed at updating progress and refining objectives of the organisation’s 2026 Activity Plan.

Held in a collaborative setting at the Gloria Arena, the session provided an opportunity to review progress, align priorities, and generate new ideas to strengthen delivery across all areas of the sport but it also served as an opportunity to welcome a new staff member, Lia Mountricha, as Manager in the Water Polo team.

After a review of preliminary 2025 results, building on this foundation, discussions centred on turning strategy into action—particularly in three key areas:

• Improved coordination across departments.
• Digital transformation, including a unified Data Hub and new EA app.
• Sustainability and social impact, with expanded EU-backed projects and environmental and inclusion initiatives.

The 2026 Action Plan is structured around four strategic pillars, each reinforced during the workshop through cross-team input:

1. Aquatic Disciplines

A unified approach to all disciplines—across elite and development levels  and inclusive sport—is a top priority. Plans include finalising competition calendars through 2028, targeted development programmes, and new initiatives in all sports.  

2. Education

The EAA platform will continue to play a central role in delivering structured pathways for athletes, coaches, officials and federation leaders, including:

• New coaching courses aligned with updated EA regulations.
• Expanded officials’ education pathways, duly aligned with World Aquatics.
• Executive training for federation managers, to allow development of micro-credentials.  
• Athlete-focused workshops and engagement at major events.

3. Brand & Growth

A stronger, more modern European Aquatics brand is taking shape through:

• Enhanced broadcast production and event presentation.
• New visual identity across disciplines.
• Expanded sponsor activation and digital content sharing.
• Closer collaboration with partners.

4. Integrity & Transparency

Reinforcing trust and governance remains central:

• Development of an Integrity Charter.
• Presence of the integrity officer at events .
• Safeguarding and athlete welfare initiatives, including a major conference in Dublin on 8 May to which you can register here:  Registration – European Aquatics – Official Learning Center

• Inclusion of para sport and Special Olympics across all programmes .

Regarding communication and marketing, key priorities discussed include:

• Redesigning the EA website and launching more targeted newsletters.
• Expanding digital reach, including stronger use of TikTok and social media campaigns.
• Increasing visibility of junior and masters’ competitions .
• Enhancing collaboration with national federations to amplify content.
• Growing the EA Ambassadors programme beyond event-based activation.

Recent championships in Belgrade and Funchal delivered record media reach, setting a new benchmark as preparations intensify for the European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026 and a busy summer of age group events in all disciplines.

The Antalya gathering reinforced a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement with the next meeting set to take place in three months’ time.

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