After several supportive motions from different stakeholders in favour of the organisation of the 2021 European Championships in jumping along the Olympic Games in Tokyo, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) has announced that they will endorse all efforts to reschedule the championships. 

The European Championships in jumping were supposed to run in Budapest from 23 August to 5 September 2021 alongside dressage, para dressage, driving and vaulting. However, due to the proximity to the rescheduled Olympic and Paralympic Games, the FEI announced that the championships for jumping, dressage and para dressage would be cancelled. As reported by World of Showjumping, a number of chef d’equipes, riders and owners disagreed on the FEI’s decision to cancel. 

In a letter to its national federations, dated 18 June 2020, the EEF writes that the FEI’s announcement to cancel the 2021 European Championships in jumping has been followed by a number of developments that have been communicated to the EEF Board: 

• The recommendation of the EEF Working Group Jumping in favour of hosting both the Olympic Games and the European Championships in 2021 under conditions 
• The letters from EEF NF members stating that they will not oppose the hosting of both Olympic Games and the European Championships in jumping in 2021 
• The official position of the IJRC to support the hosting of both the Olympic Games and the European Championships in jumping in 2021 and to provide material assistance to participating riders 
• The availability of more than one organiser that is ready to host the European Championships in jumping in 2021 under conditions 
• The overwhelming support of riders, owners and other stakeholders of the jumping sport in Europe to host both the Olympic Games and the European Championships in jumping in 2021 
• The fact that the organisation of Tokyo 2020 remains uncertain due to Covid-19 and a final decision will be taken at the latest in March 2021 

The EEF Board addressed the matter in its meeting on 16 June 2020, and reached the unanimous decision to endorse and support all efforts to reschedule and host the 2021 European Championships in jumping – under the conditions that: 

• Horse welfare shall be paramount in any decision to be taken
• The 2021 FEI calendar for jumping shall be organized to accommodate and protect main jumping events in 2021 (i.e. OG, Longines EEF Series Final, Longines FEI Nations Cup Final). For possible 2021 calendar dates, the EEF Board refers to an EEF Working Group Jumping proposal dated 3.6.2020
• The European Championships shall remain a “closed European Championship” 

If these conditions are successfully met, the EEF Board strongly believes that it is possible to offer a level playing field to all eligible countries taking part both in Olympic Games and the European Championships. 

The EEF will be submitting its recommendation to the FEI. The final decision will be made by the FEI Board.