The first quarterly meeting of the ECU Executive Board for 2025 took place on 11th January in Monte Carlo, Monaco, during the European Women’s Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship. The Monaco federation, known for its great hospitality, organised the tournament and the board meeting in excellent conditions.
Main information and decisions
- The annual ECU General Assembly will take place, on Saturday 11 October 2025 in Batumi, Georgia parallel to the European Team Chess Championship. At the same evening will take place the celebration Gala for the ECU 40years anniversary. The representatives (delegates) of each European Chess Federation will be invited and hosted in Batumi for 3 days to participate in the General assembly and all festivities.
- By proposal of ECU President Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili the ECU Board appointed Mrs. Antoaneta Stefanova as new Chairperson of ECU Commission’s for Women’s Chess. WGM Regina, Theissl Pokorna, who has done a remarkable job for 2.5 years, remains in the Commission as a Councilor due to new and demanding professional commitments. The ECU Board thanks Regina for her work and commitment and continues to count on her enrolment and inspiration.
- By proposal of ECU President Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili the ECU Board appointed Mr. Panagiotis Nikolopoulos as new Chairperson of ECU Arbiters Council. Mr. Geert Bailleul will continue to offer his valuable services as Secretary of the Council.
- The ECU Executive Board takes note of the draft financial statements for 2024 and confirms the good condition of the organisation.
European Chess Championships & Tournaments
- The European Corporate Chess Championship, set to take place in the city of #Paris, France from November 7th to 8th, 2025. Due to the big success of the 2024 event, the Organising Committee has secured a playing hall that can accommodate up to 100 teams and 500 players.
- The European Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship 2025 will take place in Pristina, Kosovo from November 27th got 1st December 2025. The Prize fund will be increased about 50% and will be a minimum o 65,000 euros.
- Georgian Chess Federation got the option to organize the European Individual Chess Championship 2027 combined with the European Youth Chess Championship 2028.
- The special tournament “Futures” of Prague Chess Festival 2025 will be under ECU aegis and part of ECU 40 years celebrations.
Sponsors and Partnerships
- The official “ECU Telecom Provider” “GLOBALCELL” shareholders Tamaz Somkhishvili and Georgi Zviadadze and the Marketing Director Levani Shalolashvili attended the ECU Board meeting and the tournament and expressed their willingness to continue and expand their support for the European Chess Union and the game of chess.
- The Chief Executive Officer Tommy Tang, of the Chinese company “SenseRobot”, gave a presentation on the new “AI Chess Robot” and its special capabilities during the ECU Board meeting.
