The EOC EU Office of Sports “The House of European Sport” serves as the Brussels-based representation of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) to the European institutions.
The Office promotes the interests of the Olympic Movement and organised sport at European Union level and cooperates with an extensive network of partner organisations across Europe.
The first meeting between the EWF and the office of European Sport was held during the 7th European Evening of Sport, which took place on 17 November 2025 in Brussels. The event brought together distinguished leaders of the Olympic Movement, representatives of the European institutions, and members of the broader sporting community, with the aim of reinforcing cooperation and highlighting the essential role of sport in European society. On this occasion, EWF President, Dr. Astrit Hasani had the honor of meeting also with the IOC President, Ms Kirsty Coventry. The meeting provided an opportunity for a constructive exchange of views on sport in general and on the future and development of weightlifting in particular.
In addition, discussions were held with the highest representatives of the EOC EU Office — “The House of European Sport.”
EWF President during these meetings concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation for the benefit and further advancement of weightlifting across Europe.
As a result, today on 6th February 2026 during the Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina, a formal agreement was signed between the two organisations by Dr Astrit Hasani, President of the EWF, and Mr Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees.
As stated in the Preamble, the agreement relates to the EOC EU Office in Brussels, with the aims to monitor, identify and analyses subjects of relevance to sport at European level and to represent the interests of the EOC and its partners before the European institutions.
The agreement is concluded for an unlimited period. It provides the European Weightlifting Federation and its National Federations with simplified access to European Union funding opportunities, including the Erasmus+ Programme, as well as broader support in engaging with EU policies and initiatives relevant to sport.
Since its establishment, the EOC EU Office has continuously expanded its partner network, strengthening its role as a central platform for cooperation within the European sporting landscape. Within the framework of the EOC EU Office, a number of prominent international and European sport organisations are represented, including ASOIF, FIFA, FIBA, IIHF, IBU and ISSF. The network also encompasses leading European federations and associations, such as the European Paralympic Committee (EPC), European Aquatics (LEN), the European Handball Federation (EHF), the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), the European Equestrian Federation (EEF), European Athletics, Rugby Europe, and, most recently, the European Weightlifting Federation.
The inclusion of these distinguished organisations further strengthens the network, reinforcing the collective voice of organised sport at the European Union level.
As part of this partnership, mental health seminars will be organized to support athletes. This collaboration strengthens the Federation’s EU presence and opens new opportunities for strategic development, funding, and policy engagement.
On behalf of the European Weightlifting Federation, Denise Offermann and Stian Grimseth will act as project coordinators for the Erasmus+ Programme and other related initiatives. Their first working meeting is scheduled to take place in Brussels in March 2026.