The European Fencing Confederation (EFC) is pleased to announce the publication of the official report of the first EFC Conference, held alongside the 2026 EFC Congress under the theme "Empower Focus Connect." The publication is now available and provides a comprehensive overview of the discussions, presentations and recommendations that emerged from this landmark event.
The conference marked a new chapter in the way the EFC engages with its Member Federations. By dedicating an entire day to dialogue before the formal Congress, the EFC created a forum where presidents, experts, athletes, coaches and international stakeholders could openly exchange ideas, identify challenges and work together on practical solutions for the future of fencing.
The report captures the key themes discussed throughout the day, including:
- The future of the European Cadet Circuit and athlete development.
- Good governance, transparency and modernisation within the EFC.
- The challenges faced by small and emerging federations.
- New approaches to partnerships and sponsorship.
- Safeguarding, equality and diversity.
- The role of innovation, communication and artificial intelligence in the future of fencing.
- Strengthening cooperation between the EFC, the FIE and the wider international fencing community.
One of the report's greatest strengths is that it does not simply document presentations—it records the contributions of the participating federations and the practical recommendations that emerged from the breakout sessions. Among the most widely supported proposals were differentiated competition formats, long-term calendar planning and the integration of training camps with competitions to maximise development opportunities for young athletes.
The publication also reflects the strong spirit of cooperation demonstrated throughout the conference, with the participation of Acting FIE President Abdelmoneim El Husseiny and FIE Secretary General Gulnora Saidova, reaffirming the shared commitment to developing fencing together on a global level.
Looking ahead to Tashkent
The release of this report comes at an important moment for the international fencing community. Many of the themes raised during the EFC Conference will continue to be explored at the International Fencing Conference in Tashkent on 16 September, where experts and representatives from around the world will discuss key strategic topics shaping the future of fencing.
Issues such as governance, athlete development, innovation, safeguarding, sustainability, international cooperation and the responsible use of emerging technologies will continue the global conversation that began in Europe, reinforcing the shared ambition of building a stronger, more connected future for fencing.
The EFC hopes that this report will not only serve as a record of the discussions held in France, but also as a source of inspiration for further dialogue and concrete action across the international fencing community.
The full EFC Conference Report is available for download now.
