The Hungarian National Skating Union (MOKSZ) has announced that it will not host the European Figure Skating Championships in 2024. This decision was communicated through the organization’s official website.
Officials cited ongoing hostilities in a neighboring country, along with the broader economic impact and rising energy costs, as the primary reasons for withdrawing from the event after extensive discussions. The move reflects a concern for sustaining the quality and safety of the competition under uncertain conditions.
MOKSZ also explained that insufficient financial resources were available to ensure a high-standard organization of the championships, which influenced their decision to step back from hosting duties in 2024. The federation indicated that the challenge was not only logistical but also financial, affecting planning and execution capabilities.
It is worth noting that following the 2022 Olympic Games, Russian figure skaters did not participate in many international events, due in part to sanctions and policy measures implemented by the sport’s governing bodies. The broader geopolitical context has continued to shape decisions around participation and hosting rights in major skating competitions.
During the IOC executive committee meeting held on March 28, there was a recommendation to permit Russians and Belarusians to compete under a neutral status, provided athletes are not actively supporting hostilities. The decision also specifies that athletes with ties to law enforcement or armed forces would generally be excluded from participation, underscoring the complex intersection of sport, politics, and security concerns in international events.
Former Olympic champion Katarina Witt commented on the potential return of Russian athletes, emphasizing that diplomatic gestures and mutual respect on the ice remain essential for any credible reintegration into international competition. Her remarks highlighted the broader debate about how sport can navigate geopolitical tensions while preserving competitive integrity and fairness.