World Karate Federation (WKF) and European Karate Federation (EKF) President Antonio Espinós attended the European Olympic Committees (EOC) General Assembly in Frankfurt, Germany. Mr. Espinós was accompanied by EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek, reaffirming WKF and EKF's commitment to fostering progress in the European sports environment.

The EOC General Assembly brought together key decision-makers in European sports, with the election of the EOC President and Executive Committee at the top of the agenda. Spyros Capralos was re-elected as EOC President for another four-year term. Alongside him, Daina Gudzineviciute was re-elected as Vice President, Peter Mennel retained his position as Treasurer, and Carlo Mornati was elected as the new EOC Secretary General.

A key highlight of the assembly was the official signing of the Host City Contract for the 2027 European Games. The European Olympic Committees (EOC), Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and the Turkish National Olympic Committee formalized their agreement to host the 2027 Games in Istanbul, confirming the city as the venue for Europe’s multi-sport event in two years.

WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós emphasized the significance of karate's role within the EOC framework and its continued contribution to European sports development.

"Karate has always been a close ally of the European Olympic Committees, and our presence at the General Assembly reflects our commitment to European sports. With its deep roots, popularity and strong presence across the continent, karate brings exceptional value to the European sports ecosystem. We will continue working alongside the EOC to advance sports in Europe and support initiatives that strengthen the sporting community in Europe and around the world. The WKF and EKF remain dedicated to promoting karate at the highest levels, ensuring its lasting impact on the European sporting landscape," said Mr. Espinós.

 (Top picture: WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós (right) and EKF General Secretary and WKF Executive Committee member Davor Cipek at the 54^th edition of EOC’s General Assembly.

All the attendees at the 54^th edition of EOC’s General Assembly pose after the event.

Mr Espinós and Mr Cipek with recently re-elected EOC President Spyros Capralos. 

From left to right: WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós, IOC member and Gymnastics International Federation President Morinari Watanabe, and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek.

From left to right: WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós, IOC member and IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch, and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek.

Mr Espinós and Mr Cipek pose with Croatia’s National Olympic Committee President and recently re-elected member of EOC’s Executive Committee Zlatko Matesa.