The 51st General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) opened this morning in Skopje. Also taking part in the Session, scheduled until tomorrow in the capital of North Macedonia, is the Italian delegation led by CONI Secretary General, Carlo Mornati, and the Head of Olympic Preparation, Alessio Palombi.
Doing the honours was the President of the North Macedonian Olympic Committee, Daniel Dimeski, and, representing the government, Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi.
Numerous representatives of the five-ringed movement were present, starting with IOC President Thomas Bach who, in his speech, warned of the arrival of a 'new world order'. "It is imperative that we remain united on our positions, principles and values". The world sports number one then expressed his hope and also mentioned the forthcoming Olympic Games, including Milan Cortina 2026, which will provide "an innovative approach in the organisation of the Winter Games".

EOC President and IOC member Spyros Capralos, on the other hand, emphasised that sport should be used as 'an instrument of peace and not of discrimination. As envisaged by our founding fathers'.

IOC member and Ukrainian Committee President Sergej Bubka also spoke in the morning about the solidarity programme for his country's athletes promoted by the International Committee. The pole vaulting champion also thanked the European Olympic Committees for their important support, mentioning Italy and recalling how CONI and its Federations host over 400 athletes from 20 different sports. "We can only be strong if we are united" the Olympian said movingly to the applause of the hall at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel where the event is being held.
At the opening of the Assembly, IOC member, EOC Executive and ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg was awarded the Order of Merit, the highest award of the European Olympic Committees instituted in 1995.

The Assembly then heard annual reports from President Capralos, General Secretary Raffaele Pagnozzi and Treasurer Peter Mennel.

The first day also saw the presentation of the five finalists - including Italy's Lorenzo Previtali - of the seventh winter edition of the 'Piotr Nurowski 2022' Prize, awarded to the best young European athlete. The nomination of the Italian short track athlete comes after a memorable season that saw him excel with gold in the 1,000m and three silver medals in the 1500m, 500m and mixed relay at the Winter EYOF Vuokatti 2022. But there is also the gold won with the mixed relay at the Junior World Championships in Lorenzo's trophy cabinet. In the evening, during the Gala held at the National Opera Ballet, the outcome of the vote was revealed, with the Italian athlete coming in fifth place. 

During the session, Bali was indicated as the venue for the ANOC World Beach Games in 2023, and reports from the Organising Committees of the European Games in Krakow and Malopolska 2023, the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 and Milan Cortina 2026 were presented, with Olympic gold medallist Diana Bianchedi and Anna Riccardi speaking in connection from Italy.