Zagreb to host 2026 European Gymnastics Championships

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Zagreb has been officially announced as the host city of the 2026 European Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships, which will take place from 13 to 23 August at Arena Zagreb.

Organised by the Hrvatski gimnastički savez (Croatian Gymnastics Federation), the prestigious event is expected to bring together more than 600 athletes from over 40 European countries, placing Croatia firmly in the spotlight of international sport.

The announcement was made at a press conference which opened with a promotional video showcasing the scale of the upcoming championship and offering a glimpse of the atmosphere awaiting competitors and spectators in the Croatian capital.

Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević described the opportunity to host the championships as a great honour and pleasure for the city.

“We are delighted to financially support this prestigious competition, as events of this kind are an excellent incentive for the continued development of gymnastics,” said Tomašević. He expressed confidence that the event would run smoothly and that athletes would leave Zagreb with lasting positive memories.

The Mayor highlighted that the city has tripled its sports budget, bringing funding levels closer to that of the national budget. In addition to the sports hall in Lučko, plans are also in place to restore one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful gymnastics halls, the historic Croatian Sokol hall.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Tomašević wished all competitors sporting success, with special encouragement for Zagreb’s and Croatia’s gymnasts.

President of the Hrvatski gimnastički savez, Marijo Možnik, emphasised that hosting the European Championships represents the largest project in the federation’s 120-year history.

He acknowledged the significant organisational work ahead but underlined that confidence stems from 16 years of experience staging World Cup events in Osijek. Due to competition requirements, the capacity of Arena Zagreb will be reduced to 5,000 seats, and Možnik urged fans to secure their tickets early.

“This is the biggest gymnastics event Zagreb has hosted in nearly 40 years, since the 1987 Universiade,” Tomašević added, noting that the city’s reputation for hospitality would ensure a warm welcome for all visiting athletes and supporters.

Also present at the press conference were Croatian gymnasts Tin Srbić and Tina Zelčić, alongside Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina.

The 2026 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships are expected to deliver not only world-class sport but also significant international exposure for Zagreb and Croatia, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a capable host of major global sporting events.