Edited press release from EEF 

The 2025 Longines EEF Series, Europe’s key Nations Cup competition for developing showjumping talent, kicks off next week as the competition returns for a fifth edition with a new season opener and a new final venue.
 
Twelve nations will descend on the Belgian town of Lier, a new venue this year, for the Region West qualifier which gets the series underway next Friday (18 April). “We are beyond excited to host the Longines EEF Series for the very first time here at Azelhof in Lier,” said show director Mike Hazebroek. “It’s an honour to welcome riders, teams and supporters from all over Europe to our venue. We’re proud to kick off the 2025 season and are truly privileged to be the ones setting the stage for what promises to be an incredible year of sport. We are sure this will be a week to remember, full of top sport, great atmosphere and unforgettable moments.”
 
The competition format: A proven pathway to the top

The Region West qualifier in Lier is the first of eight regional qualifiers to take place this season. Each region hosts two CSIO3* qualifiers between April and June.
 
Top performers from the eight qualifiers will contest the two semi-finals, which are also held at CSIO3* level. The top five eligible teams from each semi-final will advance to the CSIO4* final, which will take place for the first time this year in Switzerland. The host nation can potentially contest the final as the 11th team if they attempted qualification. The inaugural Swiss final will be held in the 142-hectare grounds of the National Equestrian Institute of Avenches (IENA) on Sunday 7 September. The world-class equestrian facility, which is easily accessible in the heart of Europe, will host the final for the next three years.
 
Each competition follows the same format. Teams of four will compete over two rounds on identical courses under Table A against the clock format with the best three scores from each round counting toward the team total. In case of a tie after both rounds, one rider per team contests a jump-off to determine the winning team.

Italy leads the charge among strong contenders

One of the favourites for the title this year will be Italy, who have an impressive record in the competition, having lifted the trophy in three of the last four years. The reigning champions took victory ahead of Ireland and Germany at the final in Warsaw last September and all three teams will take part in the primary showjumping pathway for developing combinations to reach top-level competition this year.

Italy will get their title defence underway at the Region South qualifier in Gorla Minore at the end of April, while Ireland and Germany will both be in action in Lier. Austria, who were crowned champions in 2023, will contest the Region Central qualifier in Mannheim at the beginning of May. Other nations to watch this year include Belgium, Spain and Poland who all won qualifiers last year and Switzerland, who will be hoping they can give the home fans something to cheer about during the final.
 
“As we launch the fifth season of the Longines EEF Series, I'm excited to see the 2025 calendar begin at our new venue in Lier, Belgium, setting the stage for what promises to be an outstanding year of competition," said EEF Interim President, George Dimaras. "This milestone season reflects how far the Series has grown to become a cornerstone of European equestrianism, with our journey culminating with the Final at the prestigious IENA facility in Avenches, Switzerland. On behalf of the EEF, I extend my gratitude to all our organisers who continue to elevate the standard of our events, and especially to Longines for their steadfast partnership, which has been instrumental in developing this Series into what it is today. As we embark on the 2025 season, we remain committed to showcasing the exceptional talent across Europe while advancing our vision for a sustainable and thriving future for our sport.”

#NationSensation returns to spotlight rising talent

As in 2024, this season we will be celebrating the outstanding performances of teams, riders, horses, grooms, chef d’equipes and more through our #NationSensation campaign.
 
It is the sensational performances and journeys of developing talents all while representing their country that make the Longines EEF Series so special. Look out for special post-event highlights and features that celebrate these moments across the season. You can follow the action this year on ClipMyHorse.TV who will provide a comprehensive live broadcast of all the regional qualifying competitions as well as the semi-finals and final.
 
Regional Qualifiers:
CSIO3* Lier (BEL): 17 – 20 April 2025
CSIO3* Gorla Minore (ITA): 23 – 27 April 2025
CSIO3* Mannheim (GER): 30 April – 6 May 2025
CSIO3* Stutteri Ask, Martofte (DEN): 21 – 25 May 2025
CSIO3* Peelbergen, Kronenberg (NED): 22 – 25 May 2025
CSIO3* Thessaloniki (GRE): 28 May – 1 June 2025
CSIO3* Drammen (NOR): 6 – 9 June 2025
CSIO3* Bratislava (SVK): 11 – 15 June 2025

Semi-Finals:
Semi-Final (Regions West - North) - CSIO3* Deauville (FRA): 18 – 22 June 2025
Semi-Final (Regions South - Central) - CSIO3* Budapest (HUN): 26 – 29 June 2025

Final:
Longines EEF Series Final – CSIO4* Avenches (SUI): 4 – 7 September 2025

The Longines EEF Series is Europe's key Nations Cup competition for developing show jumping talent. Operating at the 3* and 4* levels, it serves as the primary pathway for developing combinations, focusing on growing talent from all European nations to reach top-level competition. The EEF believes in safeguarding the sport's future by providing continuous development opportunities through this Series.

Founded in 2009, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) is the representative body for the European based National equestrian Federations. Working closely with the Federation Internationale Equestre (FEI) and the National Federations, the EEF works to maximize the potential and development of equestrianism throughout the continent. The EEF is committed to promoting the sport equestrianism and its good practices, developing the sport across Europe, and providing leadership for a collective European voice in the sport.