Major changes to European competitions, new opportunities for young players and important steps towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games marked the 2026 ETTU Congress, held at Ljubljana Castle alongside the European Championships. With the attendance of 42 Member Associations, the Congress approved a series of decisions that will shape the future of European table tennis, while ETTU President Pedro MOURA highlighted a year of growth, innovation and investment in the sport.
The Congress was chaired by ETTU President Pedro MOURA and attended by ITTF President Petra SÖRLING, while Slovenian Table Tennis Association President Tomaž KRALJ welcomed delegates on behalf of the host Association.
Opening the Congress, MOURA reflected on the progress achieved under the ETTU Strategic Plan 2023-2028.
“One year ago, in Zadar, we shared our ambitions for the future of European table tennis. Today, I am pleased to say that we have continued turning those ambitions into concrete achievements. The past twelve months have been a year of growth, innovation and important investment in the future of our sport.”
“Guided by our Strategic Plan 2023–2028, we have continued to modernise ETTU, strengthen our competitions and create new opportunities for our Member Associations, clubs, athletes and officials.”
Among the achievements, MOURA highlighted the continued success of the HYLO Champions League Men Final 4 in Saarbrücken and the introduction of the Champions League Women Final 4 in Tarnobrzeg, followed by a major investment planned for the coming season.
“With the purpose of making this competition more attractive, both to clubs and eventual partners, ETTU will invest, next season more than 100,000 Eur in a new Women Champions League model of competition. The new system, a real league system, will guide the teams to the Final 4, this time to be held in Metz.”
“With 109 clubs from 27 Member Associations participating in our club competitions, we continue to demonstrate the strength of European club table tennis.”
President MOURA also underlined the progress made in broadcasting, marketing and digital communication.
“Our social media platforms have generated more than 200 million views, reaching new audiences around the world. Our competitions are attracting greater media attention, and our partnerships continue to strengthen. This growth is not only about visibility. It is about creating value and generating new resources for European table tennis.”
Turning to the financial strategy, he explained the decision to reinvest part of the significant surplus achieved in 2024 in the development and modernisation of ETTU.
“Our 2025 financial statements reflect this strategy, with a controlled deficit and strong financial reserves. At the same time, we have reinforced financial oversight and internal controls, maintaining our commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management.”
“Looking ahead, the proposed 2027 budget anticipates a return to surplus while continuing to support our development ambitions. Our objective is clear: financial growth must translate into sporting development and better services for our Member Associations.”
Development and athlete welfare were also central to President’s address, with particular attention given to EUROSPINS, the Participation Programme, Eurotalents activities, coaching education and the new Competition Management School.
“Development remains at the heart of our mission. The EUROSPINS programme, developed with our Asian partners, is opening exciting new opportunities for our most promising young players.”
“We have also introduced dedicated scholarships for young Para athletes, reinforcing our commitment to equal opportunities.”
MOURA also highlighted the introduction of new safeguarding measures and the importance of listening to Member Associations, pointing to the youth competition consultation involving associations.
Looking ahead to 2027, he emphasised the importance of the European Games in Istanbul and the European Para Table Tennis Championships in Geneva, which ETTU will organise for the first time.
Concluding his address, MOURA thanked ITTF President Petra SÖRLING, the European representatives on the ITTF Executive Board, his Executive Board colleagues, ETTU staff and Member Associations for their cooperation and commitment.
“Our ambition is not simply to make ETTU bigger. It is to make ETTU better, stronger, more sustainable and closer to its Member Associations. Together, I am confident that we will continue moving European table tennis forward.”
ITTF President Petra SÖRLING addressed the Congress during the year in which the International Table Tennis Federation celebrates its centenary. Reflecting on the organisation’s European roots and the first World Championships held in London in 1926, she emphasised the importance of strengthening services and investment for Member Associations.
“But a centenary is not only a moment to look back. It is a moment to decide what kind of federation we want to be for the next 100 years. My answer is clear: a federation that serves its members, listens to them and invests in them,” said SÖRLING.
ITTF President highlighted the adoption of the new ITTF Constitution, increased allocations to continental federations and the establishment of a dedicated Member Associations Department. SÖRLING also praised ETTU’s work, particularly its safeguarding initiatives.
“ETTU is a strong and trusted partner. You lead, you innovate, and you deliver on the highest level,” she added.
Welcoming the delegates, Slovenian Table Tennis Association President Tomaž KRALJ expressed his pride in hosting both the European Championships and the Congress.
“I strongly believe that table tennis is more than a sport. It connects people, generations and nations, and it creates friendships that go far beyond the table,” said KRALJ, wishing delegates a productive Congress and an enjoyable stay in Slovenia.
The Congress approved the 2025 Financial Statements, the independent Audit Report and the report of the ETTU Audit Commission, following their presentation at the Finance and Propositions & Resolutions Webinar on 7 October.
The Congress also elected three members of the ETTU Audit Commission: Joshua REYNOLDS of England, Michael GEIGER of Germany and Diogo Rafael SOUSA ROVISCO of Portugal.
The Congress featured a presentation by ITTF Chief of Staff Tristan LAVIER, highlighting the cooperation between ITTF and ETTU and opportunities to further strengthen their partnership in the development of table tennis.
Photo by Henk HOMMES
