The 3rd European Games
Krakow-Malopolska 2023


The European Games are the flag event organized by the European Olympic Committees (EOC). The two previous editions were held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2015, and Minsk, Belarus, in 2019. The Games are held every four years and teams from 50 European countries compete.

Krakow and Malopolska Regionwere chosen to host the 3rd European Games in 2023 at an extraordinary session of the EOC General Assembly convened in Minsk, Belarus, on June 22, 2019. The National Olympic Committees comprising the EOC were unanimous in their approval.

The preliminary Programme of the 3rd European Games Krakow and Malopolska 2023

All about the 3rd European Games Krakow-Malopolska 2023

Jacek Sasin – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State Assets, Government Plenipotentiary responsible for organizing the 3rd European Games Krakow-Malopolska 2023:

– We take the organization of the European Games in Poland very seriously. I hereby declare that this initiative has the full support of the Polish government. I know that we can rise to this challenge and present ourselves as a country that can organize large-scale sports events. The 3rd European Games Krakow and Malopolska 2023 will be the largest undertaking of this kind that we have ever organized and we are very pleased to be doing so. The Polish government has firmly committed itself to assist in organizing this event, as we believe that it is an initiative with future prospects. Although most of the activities will take place in Krakow and the Voivodeship of Malopolska, this is an event of national importance. It will portray Poland as a country that is continually developing and which is well worth visiting.

Danuta Dmowska-Andrzejuk – Minister for Sport (2019-2020):

– When we drew up the programme, we had to ensure that the disciplines we selected were contested at the European Championship level (or higher) and that the athletes could use the competition to qualify for the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris in 2024.

Witold Kozłowski – Marshal of the Malopolska Region:

– I am sure that, together, we can write a new chapter in the history of Polish, European and world sport. The 2023 European Games are going to be a great festival for the athletes and their supporters. At the same time, they will provide an excellent opportunity to extensively promote Malopolska Region. This is a definite stimulus that will considerably boost the development of our region. Malopolska has a great deal of potential. I can assure you that, by working in tandem with the Polish Government and the City of Krakow, we will be fully prepared in 2023. Together, we will be making the most of this opportunity.

Jacek Majchrowski – Mayor of Krakow:

– Over the past few years, we have demonstrated that we are both organizationally and materially equipped to organize major events, e.g. World Youth Day. It is important to note that the European Games will be staged in existing facilities, that financial restraint will be exercised, and that this will be a national event supported by the Government of Poland, and not the local authorities.

Tomasz Poręba – MEP, NOC of Poland Vice-President, NOC of Poland Board Member responsible for the 3rd European Game Krakow and Malopolska 2023:

– The European Games will be biggest multidisciplinary sports event in Europe in 2023. We have the support of the Polish government. This will be an ideal opportunity to show what we can do, showcase our achievements, and promote Poland. I would like to stress the crucial fact that the 3rd European Game Krakow and Malopolska 2023 are the first European Games to be held inside the EU and that their being staged in Poland is extremely important for our country’s image. I have been holding many discussions on staging and supporting this event in EU organizations.

Andrzej Kraśnicki – NOC of Poland President, EOC Executive Committee Member:

– The Third Games, as the organizers emphasize, are being organized in a rational and economically responsible manner, without incurring unnecessary expenses, and by exercising financial restraint. Optimization is the key word. It appears extraordinarily frequently in communications on this event. However, lower costs do not mean that the event will not be successful and memorable. The European Games receive extensive media promotion – before, during and after the event. There are numerous informational and advertising campaigns – including on social media. This is therefore a perfect promotional opportunity and a definite stimulus that will significantly boost the development of Malopolska Region.