Representatives from across Europe gathered in Frankfurt, Germany, for the Congress of the European Karate Federation (EKF) on the eve of the 2026 EKF Senior Championships. The meeting brought together nearly 40 national federations to review the development of karate in Europe and discuss the future of the sport on the continent.
The Congress opened with the welcome address of the EKF President and the President of the German Karate Federation before delegates reviewed the main points on the agenda. Discussions included the President’s report, the General Secretary’s report, and updates on the 2027 European Games in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Delegates also received reports on EUSA activities, the work of the EKF Technical Commission, and the financial situation of the federation. The Congress approved the 2025 financial report as well as the budget for 2027.
The presentation of the 2026 WKF Youth Camp and Cup in Poreč, Croatia highlighted the continued investment in the development of young athletes and future generations of karate competitors in Europe.
One of the key moments of the meeting was the approval of the long-term planning of EKF events. The Congress confirmed the hosts of the upcoming continental championships for the coming years.
The EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships will be organised in:
- 2027 – Armenia
- 2028 – Spain
- 2029 – Georgia
- 2030 – Switzerland
- 2031 – Luxembourg
- 2032 – Cyprus
The EKF Senior Championships will take place in:
- 2027 – France
- 2028 – Montenegro
- 2029 – Latvia
- 2030 – Serbia
EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós praised the progress of karate in Europe and stressed the importance of working together to continue strengthening the sport.
“Karate in Europe continues to grow because we all work together, with our national federations, aligned with the same vision and commitment. Unity is the only way to achieve success. We are stronger when we go in the same direction, and the path to accomplish our goals, especially in our quest to become an Olympic sport again, is to continue showing the same unity that has brought us this far.
“Europe is one of the engines of international karate, and the progress of our sport in the continent is not only a showcase of the popularity and global reach of Karate; it is also a beacon to expand the development of karate all over the world and continue taking our sport to never-before-seen heights.”
(Top picture: WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós addresses the EKF Congress)
In his welcome speech, Mr Espinós highlighted the progress of Karate in Europe
EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek reviewed his activities over the last period.
From left to right: EKF General Treasurer Michael Dinsdale, EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek
German Karate Federation president and WKF Executive Committee member Wolfgang Weigert welcomed the participants to the event.
French Karate Federation president Gilles Cherdieu presented the 2027 EKF Senior Championships to be held in Marseille.
Nearly 40 national federations gathered at the meeting
EKF President Antonio Espinós during his address to the audience
Armenia Karate Federation president Vazgen Harutyunyan presented the 2027 EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships to be held in Yerevan.
EKF General Treasurer Michael Dinsdale presented the financial report of the organisation.
EKF Technical Commission chair Konstantinos Papadopoulos during his presentation.
European Games Technical Delegate Konrad Poltorzecki introduced the updates on Karate’s participation at the 2027 European Games.