Following years of institutional growth and stability, our vision for the 2026-2030 term is to elevate European chess to its next level of professional and social influence. We are committed to a strategy that balances the elite competitive circuit with grassroots development, ensuring that ECU remains a modern, inclusive, and commercially viable organisation. Our focus shifts toward deepening our digital integration, expanding our commercial reach, and providing more direct, tailored support to each of our 54 member federations.
ECU2030 - Our Team
Meet the ECU2030 team which brings together a diverse coalition of experienced leaders focused
on empowering national federations and expanding the reach of chess across the continent.
By uniting tradition with innovation, we aim to secure a future where the ECU continues to thrive
as a professional, transparent, and inclusive home for all European players. Our team features the
following candidates running for the respective positions in the European Chess Union elections (18 July 2026):
Our Mission and ECU2030 Vision
With continuous building of institutional stability and growth, the ECU 2030 vision represents our
commitment to elevating European chess through championships and education excellence,
digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. We aim to balance the strongest competitive circuit with
grassroots development to ensure a modern, inclusive, and sustainable future for all 54 member federations.
Championships Excellence
The ECU successfully delivers over 20 prestigious championships annually, seeing consistent growth in both participation and federation involvement.
Educational Excellence
We maintain a steadfast focus on the continuous improvement of chess educational programs, building on a foundation of proven success.
Digital Innovation
We remain committed to the ongoing evolution of the digital infrastructure, building established projects that will modernize European chess.
Media Development
We are dedicated to enhancing the visibility of European chess by professionalizing our media output and expanding our global footprint.
Strategic Partnerships
We are committed to continue enhancing strategic parnerships that bring both innovation and financial strength to European chess.
Financial Stability
We continue to prioritize disciplined financial management and a diversified revenue strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization.
Our team is focused on continuous improvement of the European Chess Union with the ultimate goal to develop a modern ECU focused on Educational Excellence, Championships Excellence, Digital innovation and media development, strategic partnerships, and financial stability and consistency.
Under the leadership of President Zurab Azmaiparashvili, the European Chess Union has evolved into a comprehensive chess development organisation. Today, the ECU serves 54 member federations, reaching millions of chess players and enthusiasts across the continent. The team led by Mr. Azmaiprashvili successfully delivers over 20 European championships annually, seeing consistent growth in participation and federations involvement. We have implemented successful Educational programs, worked hard and achieved formidable results in digital innovation and media development, ensured financial stability and achieved consistent positive annual results.
Our approach and general commitments for the new term (2026-2030):
- Federations first: practical support, clear processes, and equal opportunities to participate in the ECU projects.
- Grow participation and value: more players, more events, better experiences, stronger legacy.
- Invest in people: youth, talents, arbiters, trainers, organisers, volunteers.
- Modernize ECU: digital tools, better communication, measurable outcomes.
- Continuation of building trust: transparency, good governance, and clear reporting.
- Sponsoring: engagement with major sponsors.
- Social responsibility: strengthen the positive influence of chess in society.