The European Chess Union (ECU) General Assembly 2026 is underway in Bucharest, Romania, bringing together delegates from across Europe to discuss the future of chess on the continent. The Assembly is being held at the headquarters of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, underscoring the close cooperation between the chess movement and the Olympic family.
The opening ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, including Nadia Elena Comăneci, the legendary five-time Olympic gymnastics champion; and Mihai Claudiu Covaliu, President of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee and Olympic fencing champion.
The venue and the presence of two Olympic champions carry a message that extends beyond the chessboard. With the support of Olympic Committees, the European chess community stands united in its call for chess to be recognised as an Olympic sport – a step that would bring millions of players and fans into the heart of the Olympic movement. The opening ceremony highlighted the shared values of excellence, education, fair play and international cooperation that unite chess with the Olympic family.
One of the key items on the agenda was the election of the European Chess Union leadership for the next term. Delegates re-elected Zurab Azmaiparashvili as ECU President, with his ticket receiving 35 votes out of 53 cast.
The newly elected ECU leadership consists of:
• President: Zurab Azmaiparashvili
• Deputy President: Vlad Ardeleanu
• Vice President: Ingrid Lauterbach
• Vice President: Lasse Østebø Løvik
• Secretary General: Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou
• Treasurer: Prabitha Urwyler
The other candidates received the following support:
• Łukasz Turlej – 11 votes
• Bachar Kouatly – 7 votes
Congratulating the newly elected leadership, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich praised both the democratic spirit of the Assembly and the quality of the election campaign.
“The European Chess Union General Assembly is a great example of how democratic processes should work in sport. We have seen strong competition, thoughtful programmes and excellent ideas presented by all candidates. This is exactly how our chess family should operate – through open discussion, fair elections and cooperation afterwards.
The best ideas should be taken forward for the benefit of the entire chess community. I congratulate Zurab Azmaiparashvili and his team on their election and look forward to continuing and strengthening the collaboration between FIDE and the European Chess Union. Together, we can do much more for chess.”
Alongside the presidential election, delegates are considering a broad range of strategic matters affecting European chess. The agenda includes reports from the ECU President, Secretary General, and Treasurer; financial statements and the 2027 budget; amendments to the ECU Statutes; reports from the ECU Commissions; membership matters; the calendar of future European events; and discussions on the continued development of chess across the continent.
FIDE congratulates Zurab Azmaiparashvili and the newly elected ECU Board and wishes them every success in their work for the continued growth of chess in Europe.
Photos: European Chess Union
ECU official website: https://www.europechess.org/