Press release from EEF

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) is pleased to announce the official competition calendar for the 2026 Longines EEF Series. Now in its sixth edition, the Series continues to provide one of Europe’s most influential pathways toward top-level Nations Cup competition.

The 2026 season kicks off at the end of April in Mannheim, Germany, and unfolds through eight regional qualifiers and two semifinals across both traditional strongholds and emerging venues. A notable new addition this year is Borgo la Caccia in Bedizzole, Italy. The venue near Lake Garda represents an exciting expansion for the Series and offers teams a fresh international competitive opportunity. The season concludes at the renowned Final in Avenches, Switzerland, from 3–6 September 2026, where last year’s inaugural edition drew widespread praise for its sporting excellence and vibrant atmosphere.

For the first time, Peelbergen in the Netherlands will host the North–West Regions semifinal, bringing the sport to a venue that has rapidly become a key hub in European equestrian development, recognised for its world-class facilities and year-round professional environment. Bratislava in Slovakia returns as the South–Central Regions semifinal host, held at Samorin’s acclaimed X-Bionic Sphere, an elite multi-sport complex known for its expansive arenas, state-of-the-art footing, and championship-level challenges that test both precision and stamina as nations battle for one of ten coveted places in the Final.

From Mannheim’s grand showground setting to Deauville’s Normandy coastal charm, from Budapest’s proud equestrian tradition to Drammen’s dramatic Scandinavian backdrop, and on through Lier’s vibrant Belgian stage, Stutteri Ask’s distinguished Danish setting, and Thessaloniki’s Mediterranean character, the 2026 Series highlights Europe’s rich equestrian culture.

"The Longines EEF Series has become a vital bridge between national development and top-level Nations Cup sport. It gives riders and horses from every region in Europe meaningful opportunities to compete, progress, and gain essential national team experience," said EEF President, Quentin Simonet.

“The 2026 calendar celebrates Europe’s diversity with a blend of traditional venues, emerging locations and organisers whose strong commitment plays a key role in the Series’ success. We are especially pleased to welcome a new host in Italy, and to see Peelbergen hosting a semifinal for the first time. Returning to Avenches for the Final underscores its central European location and convenient access for all competing nations, exemplifying exceptional sport and the spirit of unity that defines this Series. I would also like to highlight the vital contribution of Longines, the Series’ original and renewed title partner, whose steadfast commitment has been instrumental and continues to drive the Series’ evolution.”

Designed to give athletes, horses, and National Federations a structured, team-based competitive environment, the Longines EEF Series has become a cornerstone of European show jumping development. Its format of regional qualifiers, semifinals, and a ten-nation Final, prepares emerging combinations for future championship stages while celebrating the continent’s sporting strength and diversity.

Regional qualifiers

CSIO3* Mannheim (GER)  29 Apr–5 May 2026
CSIO3* Lier (BEL)  6–10 May 2026
CSIO3* Borgo la Caccia - Bedizzole (ITA)  13–17 May 2026
CSIO3* Stutteri Ask - Martofte (DEN)  20–24 May 2026
CSIO3* Deauville (FRA)  3–7 June 2026
CSIO3* Thessaloniki (GRE)  3–7 June 2026
CSIO3* Drammen (NOR)  10–14 June 2026
CSIO3* Budapest (HUN)  24–28 June 2026

Semifinals

Semi-Final (Regions North - West) - CSIO3* Peelbergen – Kronenberg (NED)  2–5 July 2026
Semi-Final (Regions South - Central) - CSIO3* Samorin – Bratislava (SVK)  8–12 July 2026

Final

Longines EEF Series Final – CSIO4* Avenches (SUI):  3–6 September 2026