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The ACES Europe organisation has officially announced that Veszprém and the Bakony–Balaton region will hold the title of European Sports Region 2026 next year, according to Veszprém-Balaton 2023 Ltd., which coordinated the bid. Following the submission of the application, a four-member ACES Europe delegation visited the region from 15–18 July to familiarise themselves on site with the local sports infrastructure and the region’s sports strategy. During their visit, they also toured the University ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥â€™s sports facilities. (Source: )

ACES Europe (the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation), a Brussels-based organisation cooperating with the institutions of the European Union, has been recognising cities, communities, and regions every year since 2001 that achieve outstanding results in promoting a healthy lifestyle, sports, and physical activity among their populations. The organisation’s mission is to encourage active living, strengthen communities, and support sustainable sports development.

The Veszprém–Balaton European Sports Region 2026 bid, coordinated by Veszprém-Balaton 2023 Ltd., was the result of several months of preparatory work. Local sports clubs, civil organisations, municipalities, and institutions all participated in the process. The aim of the bid was not only to win the title but also to initiate a long-term change in mindset regarding sports, encouraging healthier lifestyles among the people of Veszprém and the region, and strengthening the unifying power of sport in society – according to the statement sent to our editorial office. The organisers added that alongside the region’s varied and high-quality sports infrastructure, its natural environment is also exceptional: the forests of the Bakony, the watersports opportunities at Lake Balaton, the cycling routes, and the outdoor sports facilities all inspire physical activity.

The bid for the Veszprém–Balaton European Sports Region 2026 title was built on core values such as community building, inclusion, accessibility, sustainability, and volunteerism. The goal: to increase the number of active minutes among local residents and place healthy living in the spotlight – with the joy of movement, the spirit of fair play, the pursuit of success, and social integration at its heart.

After the application was submitted, the four-member ACES Europe delegation visited Veszprém and the surrounding area between 15 and 18 July, stopping at, among other locations, the Eplény Síaréna Vibe Park, the Veszprém Sports Swimming Pool, the University ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥â€™s sports facilities, the ActiCity Dance and Movement Arts Centre, as well as watersports and outdoor venues in Balatonalmádi and Balatonfüred, including the Nereus Watersports Base, Wesselényi Beach, Forrás Sports Park, and the Kékszalag Port marina. Official confirmation of the award arrived on 30 July.

More details about the events of 2026 and the related health and sports development initiatives will be announced in the autumn of 2025 through a detailed programme presentation.

Alongside its bid for the European Sports Region title, Veszprém and the Bakony–Balaton region also entered an inspiring short film into ACES Europe’s 2025 International Video Competition. The film focuses on the personal story of Botond Birnbauer, a para-swimmer from Veszprém, who authentically represents the community-building and life-enhancing power of sport through his own example. Its message is to show that the joy of movement and access to sports are values for everyone.