The European Games was the main topic on the agenda at a meeting of the European Olympic Committees Executive Committee meeting in Belek ©EOC

A multi-city bid from The Netherlands will be formally proposed as the 2019 host of the European Games here on Saturday (May 16).

The Dutch proposal, which is expected to include staging events in Amsterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven, will be adopted by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) at an Extraordinary General Assembly. 

The EOC will then enter into detailed negotiations with key stakeholders, including the Dutch Government and the Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation (NOC*NSF). 

“The EOC has identified its preferred hosts, the Netherlands Olympic Committee, and they will present their proposed European Games concept," Patrick Hickey, President of the EOC, said. 

Rotterdam and Utrecht last month both turned down the opportunity to be part of The Netherlands' bid because of fears over the cost of hosting the event. 

The EOC is expected to continue to hold talks with other interested countries in case they are unable to reach an agreement with the Dutch Government. 

FInal preparations for the first-ever European Games in Baku next month were discussed today by the European Olympic Committees
FInal preparations for the first-ever European Games in Baku next month were discussed today by the European Olympic Committees ©Getty Images

The Dutch proposal was one of the main items discussed at today's EOC Executive Committee staged here today, along with the final preparations for the inaugural European Games, due to start in Baku next month. 

"I can say with absolute certainty that it will be an outstanding inaugural European Games," said Hickey.

“The reports given by EOC members who have recently been out to Baku to oversee final preparations were very positive and this has allowed us to fully shift our attention to specific EOC arrangements for Games-time, such as our anti-doping processes and the locations of EOC meetings as well as transport and accommodation matters.

“It is particularly gratifying that so far 70 IOC members have confirmed their attendance at the Baku 2015 Opening Ceremony on 12 June.

"The European Games concept has clearly earned real buy-in as a valuable addition to the sports calendar, not just within Europe but across the Olympic Movement.”



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