The information bulletin has been released for the European Aquatics Congress 2026, which will take place in the Azerbaijan capital of Baku from October 8 to 10 and will incorporate the “Waves of Change” Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Integrity (DEI & I) Conference.

In his welcome letter, European Aquatics President Antonio Silva described the Congress as being “an opportunity not only to fulfil our constitutional responsibilities but to reflect on our progress and look ahead together,” adding:

“Since we met in Tbilisi in October 2025, European Aquatics has continued to turn ambition into action.

“We have advanced our Strategic Plan, strengthened governance, expanded education through the European Aquatics Academy, developed our Aquatics Social Responsibility and Integrity activities, embraced digital innovation and made significant progress towards our future headquarters in Belgrade.

“At the same time, our athletes remain at the heart of everything we do. Europe once again delivered outstanding senior, junior and Masters championships in 2026, demonstrating both the quality of our athletes and the expertise of our host federations, organisers, officials and volunteers.

“European Aquatics is also increasingly looking beyond competition. Through education, sustainability, inclusion, athlete welfare, innovation and cooperation with international partners and European institutions, we are building an organisation that serves its members and contributes positively to society…

“We can be proud of our progress, but our journey continues. Together, we are building a modern, transparent and ambitious European Aquatics, with service to its members at its core.”

The event will take place at the five-star Four Seasons Hotel Baku, located on the promenade along the Caspian Sea.

Delegates are responsible for ensuring that they hold the appropriate travel documents and visa, where required, for entry into the Republic of Azerbaijan. Nationals of countries eligible for the Azerbaijani ASAN e-Visa may apply online through the official e-Visa portal.

The current list of eligible countries includes all EU Member States, as well as Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom, among others. The standard e-Visa is a single-entry visa, valid for 90 days, allowing a stay of up to 30 days.

A standard e-Visa is normally issued within three working days. Delegates are strongly advised to apply sufficiently in advance of their planned travel and not to wait until the minimum processing period.

Please ensure that the nationality selected in the e-Visa application corresponds to the passport/travel document that you will use to enter Azerbaijan.

Further details can be obtained at the following link: https://mfa.gov.az/en/category/visa

FOR VISA APPLICATION PLEASE VISIT REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN OFFICIAL ELECTRONIC VISA PORTAL https://evisa.gov.az/en/

The “Waves of Change” DEI @ I conference will focus on practical approaches, inspiring examples and solutions that can help Federations strengthen DEI & I across their organisations and activities.

International speakers will share their knowledge, experiences and practical advice, while selected European Aquatics Federations will present initiatives and good practices from their own contexts.

Participation in the Conference is free of charge for up to two participants per Federation.

Additional travel assistance will be available to Member Federations attending both the Congress and the DEI & I Conference with at least one female participant.

Registration – which will take place from September 16 to October 7 – is mandatory and will be managed through the European Aquatics Academy platform.

The registration link will be made available shortly.

For further information, please contact silviacosta@europeanaquatics.org

Zaur Aliyev, President of the Azerbaijan Swimming Federation, commented: “I would like to express our sincere gratitude to European Aquatics for entrusting us with the opportunity to host this prestigious event.

“We are proud to welcome representatives of national federations, athletes, experts, and leaders of the aquatic sports community to our beautiful capital…

“Azerbaijan is strongly committed to the growth of aquatic sports. We continue investing in athlete development, improving opportunities for young talents, and creating conditions that support excellence at every level.

“We believe that cooperation between federations is the foundation for achieving greater success and inspiring future generations.

“I would like to thank European Aquatics and all our partners for their continued support and cooperation. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more inclusive, and more successful future for aquatic sports.”

The information bulletin can be accessed below.

Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics