23.10.2026
Helsinki to host the 2030 European Athletics Championships
The European Athletics Championships will return to Helsinki in August 2030. The European Athletics Council awarded the championships to the Finnish capital at its meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 22 October 2026. Helsinki was chosen ahead of Brussels. The competition will take place at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, which reopened in 2020 after extensive renovation.
This will be the fourth time Helsinki has hosted the championships, after 1971, 1994 and 2012. No other city has hosted the event more often since it began in 1934.
“It’s absolutely wonderful that the European Athletics Championships are returning to Helsinki in 2030. It is one of Europe’s largest sporting events, and securing the event for Helsinki is a testament to our strong expertise and our standing as an international host city for events,” says Daniel Sazonov, Mayor of Helsinki, in the City of Helsinki’s news release.
A landmark event for Helsinki
For Helsinki, the championships are an exceptionally significant international event. They are expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the city. Television coverage will reach millions of viewers, strengthening Helsinki’s international profile and vitality.
“We have a world-class Olympic Stadium, excellent facilities and outstanding event partners with whom we will work to make the Championships an unforgettable experience for both its participants and the people of Helsinki,” says Sanna Forsström, Head of Brand and Events at the City of Helsinki, in the city’s news release.
The city’s pitch also drew on its everyday strengths.
“Helsinki is a cool city, as our northern climate offers athletes an excellent setting for top-level performances. But Helsinki is also a cool city to visit. Its easy walkability, excellent public transport and general safety make Helsinki the perfect competition host city for both athletes and international visitors alike,” says Paavo Arhinmäki, Deputy Mayor of Helsinki.
A three-year bid with broad backing
Helsinki’s bid was presented in Lausanne by:
- Mika Poutala, Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity
- Paavo Arhinmäki, Deputy Mayor of Helsinki
- Riikka Pakarinen, President of the Finnish Athletics Federation (SUL)
- Harri Aalto, General Secretary of the Finnish Athletics Federation
- Harri Halme, Project Director of the bid
“The decision is both a magnificent conclusion to our three-year bidding effort and the start of an operative process that will culminate in an unforgettable event for both athletes and the public at Helsinki Olympic Stadium,” says Riikka Pakarinen, President of the Finnish Athletics Federation, in the City of Helsinki’s news release. She thanks the City of Helsinki, the Finnish government and dozens of other partners and supporters.
According to Aalto, the bid stood out for its venue and its concept.
“Key factors behind Helsinki’s successful bid were the modernised Olympic Stadium and a city-centre-oriented competition concept that minimised the need for shuttle bus traffic, making it both compact and environmentally friendly,” says Harri Aalto, General Secretary of the Finnish Athletics Federation. He adds that the championships can be held without major new investment, and that the bid was backed by a realistic financial model, strong public support and Finland’s reputation as a safe and reliable host.
“Over the years, we have demonstrated our ability to organise high-quality and safe sporting events for athletes, spectators and international sports federations alike,” says Mika Poutala, Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity.
Europe’s view: a proven athletics nation
European Athletics highlighted Helsinki’s place in the sport’s history. The city also hosted the 1952 Olympic Games and the World Athletics Championships in 1983 and 2005.
“We are absolutely confident Helsinki will provide another magnificent stage for Europe’s best athletes,” says Dobromir Karamarinov, President of European Athletics, in the federation’s release.
According to European Athletics, the 2026 championships in Birmingham averaged 74 per cent television market share in Finland over the week. The peak audience of 1.3 million came for Alisa Vainio’s victory in the women’s marathon. Finland won two gold medals in Birmingham, through Vainio and Silja Kosonen in the women’s hammer.
Expected impact
The organisers estimate that some 2,000 athletes and team members from 51 countries will travel to Finland for the championships. Around 2,000 media representatives and spectators from across Europe are also expected. The event is projected to generate around 2,000 hours of television coverage worldwide. The previous two editions, in Rome (2024) and Birmingham (2026), each reached a cumulative audience of 450 million.
A preliminary assessment estimates the economic impact for Helsinki at €64 million.
Timeline and tickets
The championships will take place over one week in August 2030, with seven evening sessions and five morning sessions. Public events will span two weeks. The exact dates will be confirmed over the winter in cooperation with European Athletics, broadcasters and other key stakeholders.
Ticket sales will open in Finland in 2027, with priority given to the domestic audience and Finland’s 500 athletics clubs. International sales are expected to open in June 2028, after the European Athletics Championships in Silesia, Poland.
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Sources: City of Helsinki, European Athletics, Finnish Athletics Federation, Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Photo: Wellu Hämäläinen & EA