Ignite Your Passion for Fencing Excellence!
Founded in Vienna in 1991 as the Union Européenne d’Escrime, the European Fencing Confederation (EFC) unites over 1 million fencers across nearly national federations, driving elite competitions, youth development, and the sport’s growth continent-wide and even beyond.
The EFC, Fencing in Europe
The home of fencing : Leading the Blade Across Europe
Founded on 26 October 1991 in Vienna, Austria, as the Union Européenne d’Escrime, the EFC adopted its English name and identity, establishing English as the primary working language.
This powerhouse unites nearly 50 member countries under the International Fencing Confederation (FIE). Boasting over a couple of thousands FIE-licensed fencers—nearly three times more than any other continental confederation—the EFC leads the world in active participation.
Each year, we deliver thrilling European Championships at senior, U23, junior, and cadet levels. Our mission drives fencing's growth: fostering technical collaboration, elevating coaching standards, and advocating with European authorities.
Pioneering innovation, the EFC launched the groundbreaking Cadet Circuit (now a global model), U23 European Championships and Circuit, and our latest—the Eurofence League. It enables high-level competition for all, slashing carbon footprints and costs.
Join the elite world of European fencing!
Fencing is For Fencers
A Message from the president
It is with great pride and responsibility that I address you as President. My guiding principle remains: Fencing is for fencers. Every decision must serve athletes first, support federations second, and protect our sport's integrity above all else.
That responsibility demands independence. We cannot tolerate interference from private or political agendas—our duty is to act beyond individual interests and resist dangerous concentrations of power and monopolistic tendencies. When tied to a single source of income, this dynamic creates risky dependency; shared responsibility across all shoulders ensures no one carries too heavy a load.
Our achievements this past season have confirmed the strength of the path we have chosen—one that is sustainable and proactive. Governance reforms opened communication and reinforced accountability. Vibrant U14, U17, and U23 circuits expanded opportunities for young athletes. Across our commissions, the commitment has been exceptional, with initiatives that protect participants, improve visibility, and build expertise at every level. These are not promises; they are results, and they reflect a broader ambition: greater visibility, stronger preparation for future challenges, and sustainable growth guided by shared responsibility.
We are not there yet. Strengthening the EFC brand remains a work in progress. Innovation is gaining momentum, and small steps are beginning to bring real, tangible results.
Progress of this kind—our future—hinges on bold, collective action. We'll nurture growth with patience: equitable subsidies, evidence-based decisions, data-driven dialogue with fencers, coaches, and officials. Beyond competition, we are exploring new horizons—for example, introducing fencing as a therapeutic practice and as a tool for inclusion, illustrated in a showcase for people with autism but certainly not stopping there. We are forging new partnerships and confederation collaborations beyond Europe, with full respect for each other's autonomy.
European fencing is our legacy, and it is our duty to protect and reinvent it. With collaboration, humility, and courage, we can build a future in which we grow stronger together. This is our commitment to the next generation. Fencing is for fencers—and none but ourselves shape its future.
#FencingIsForFencers