EM 2030

31.07.2025

SUL submitted the official bid book for the 2030 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki to EA – Pakarinen: “A dream has become a goal”

The Finnish Athletics Federation (SUL) has today submitted the official bid book for the 2030 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki to European Athletics (EA).

“What started as a dream has now become a goal. The idea of hosting the European Championships in Helsinki was born two years ago during the U23 Championships in Espoo,” says SUL President Riikka Pakarinen.

“The emergence of young Finnish talents like Antti Sainio, Ilona Mononen, Saga Vanninen, and Silja Kosonen – and the smashing of national records – has inspired us. Our goal is to offer these athletes the chance to compete for European glory in front of a home crowd.”

A strong bid built on Finland’s reputation and infrastructure

Helsinki’s bid highlights Finland’s, the capital region’s, and Helsinki’s solid reputation for hosting major international sporting events. The city’s world-class broadcasting capabilities, compact infrastructure, and the fully renovated Olympic Stadium form the core strengths of the proposal. The venue offers top-tier conditions for both athletes and fans alike.

“The bid enjoys strong support from both the Finnish government and the City of Helsinki. We are sincerely grateful to all decision-makers for their backing. This project is also a pilot for the ‘Finnish Model’, a framework for how Finland can attract and deliver major international events,” Pakarinen explains.

“Elevating our international competitiveness and boldly pursuing major sporting success is a shared mission for our athletes, for this bid, and Finland as a whole.”

A compact event area at the heart of Helsinki’s concept

The 130-page bid book was compiled by project manager Harri Halme, whose experience includes helping elevate the Paavo Nurmi Games to the world stage.

“We wouldn’t be here without Harri,” says Pakarinen in recognition.

The bid emphasises sustainability and environmental responsibility. Helsinki’s event concept ensures minimal distances between accommodation, the stadium, and fan areas – for athletes, media, and spectators alike.

At the heart of the event zone are central Helsinki’s hotel clusters, a free-entry athletics park in front of the Oodi Central Library, and multiple fan zones.

“The core of the event area stretches from Tripla railway station and guest accommodations through the Olympic Stadium and warm-up fields at Eläintarha, ending at Oodi’s public square. The entire four-kilometre stretch will be decorated to create a strong EM Helsinki 2030 identity. Something that every visitor and local will experience over two weekends and ten days,” explains Halme.

SUL CEO Harri Aalto shares this vision:

“The walk from Oodi to the Olympic Stadium along Töölönlahti Bay, through parks or a quick five-minute tram ride down Mannerheimintie, offers a sustainable and immersive championship experience,” Aalto says.

Accessible ticketing and smart budgeting

According to Aalto, the event’s financial planning prioritises cost control through measures such as minimising external construction and emphasising volunteer involvement.

“Accessibility is central to our ticketing strategy. Some events in the athletics park, medal plaza, and outside the stadium will be free of charge. The race walking competitions will also take place in the city centre, as part of the celebratory event area,” Aalto notes.

Helsinki competing with Zürich and Brussels

Helsinki has joined in the final stages of the 2030 European Championships bidding process by Zürich (Switzerland) and Brussels (Belgium).

“Switzerland has stated it will only bid if the championships are part of a multisport European Championships event held simultaneously across the country. Birmingham 2026 will not feature other sports alongside athletics or any integrated TV productions, but the multisport concept continues to surface in international discussions,” Aalto explains.

In 2022, Munich hosted the European Athletics Championships alongside events like road cycling, gymnastics, and triathlon. In 2018, athletics in Berlin was paired with other sports in Glasgow, forming a unified broadcast experience.

“There is limited public information about Brussels’ bid. It’s likely led by a private company experienced in organising large-scale sports events. We’re eager to see how their bid develops. Belgium will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2030, and Brussels is also set to host the Road Cycling World Championships that same year,” Aalto adds.

EA President Karamarinov to visit Helsinki

European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov will visit Helsinki on Wednesday, August 6. During his visit, he will meet with the Mayor of Helsinki Daniel Sazonov, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Leisure Paavo Arhinmäki, Finnish Minister of Sports Mika Poutala, SUL President Riikka Pakarinen, and CEO Harri Aalto.

The visit will continue with a tour of Helsinki Olympic Stadium. Joining the delegation will be EA Council Member Antti Pihlakoski (Finland) and former javelin star Mikaela Ingberg, representing the athletes.

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Source: Press release of the Finnish Athletics Federation, 31.7.2025.
Picture: SUL/Decabild

More information:

Riikka Pakarinen
Chairperson
SUL (Finnish Athletics Federation)
+358 40 580 0833
riikka.pakarinen@sul.fi

Harri Aalto
CEO
SUL (Finnish Athletics Federation)
+358 40 823 4200
harri.aalto@sul.fi

Harri Halme
Project Manager
European Athletics Championships 2030 Bid
+358 40 7545 104
harri.halme@welho.com

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