In late March 2022, Berlin turned into Europe’s handball capital with members of more than 40 EHF member federations gathering for the 13th EHF Conference of Secretaries General.
It was the first EHF conference where all guests and speakers could gather in one physical location since September 2020, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The conference was headlined “Moving Forward”, and discussed current issues in European handball. The conference’s organisational highlight was the Men’s EHF EURO 2024 Qualifiers draw.
Martin Hausleitner, EHF Secretary General, said: “‘Moving forward’ has been our motto in Berlin. In this respect, a highlight event such as the upcoming Men’s EHF EURO 2024 in Germany and the corresponding qualifiers will ensure a huge interest in handball and significantly increase the sport’s visibility in Europe.”
Mark Schober, Chairman of the Board of the German Handball Federation and member of the EHF Executive Committee, said: “Together with the EHF, it is very important for us to bring European handball forward and to continuously professionalise our sport on the level of the national federations. If everyone moves forward, this is also to the benefit of the German Handball Federation. Furthermore, with events like this, we can foster our international relationships, which is very important for us.”
Topics on the conference’s agenda included the future of the EHF’s younger age category events and the new IHF rules which came into effect on 1 July and their possible impact on federations and clubs.
The EHF provided an update on its digital strategy and how this could also be adapted by the federations. Insights were given on how data-driven fan engagement can support federations in their growth, and the latest updates on the European Handball Master Plan, including the possibilities for federations to submit projects, were provided.
Partners and affiliates supporting the EHF were also given the possibility to present. These included the Global Sports Innovation Centre, Special Olympics Germany and the European Olympic Committee’s EU Office.
Together with the EHF, it is very important for us to bring European handball forward and to continuously professionalise our sport on the level of the national federations.
