ECU 2030 is a team which gathers leaders who are united by a shared vision of a borderless, thriving European chess community.
Our team was formed with a singular conviction: that Europe must not only remain the strongest and most powerful
chess continent, but become the most innovative engine which will raise the game to the next level. We are the partners
of every national member federation, working to secure a future where European chess is synonymous with excellence,
educational and professional opportunities, innovation, continuous growth, financial stability, and global leadership.
Our program is built on a foundation of measurable progress and institutional integrity. We don’t just offer a vision for 2030;
we offer a roadmap of specific, tangible commitments designed to elevate European chess to its highest level.
We invite every national federation to join us as partners in this architecture of progress, ensuring that the legacy
of European chess is defined by transparency, growth, integrity, and global leadership. Our commitments are centered on
our core pillars: a Federations-First model, the expansion of growth and value, investment in people, organizational
modernization, the continued building of trust, and the cultivation of strategic partnerships.
Federations First approach
We recognize that the ECU is only as strong as its member federations. We commit to a support model that provides member federations with the tools, templates, and administrative guidance needed to thrive, ensuring equal opportunities to participate in the ECU projects. We will ensure that every national federation, regardless of size, has a clear pathway to participate in, and benefit from, the collective success of European chess.
Growth in paritipation and value
The Principle: More players, more events, and a stronger legacy.
The Expansion: Growth is not just about numbers; it’s about the quality of the experience.
We are committed to further expanding of European Championships, and continuation of integrating modern broadcast standards to increase commercial value, and creating “legacy projects” that leave a lasting impact on host cities. Our goal is to continue making European chess a premium brand that attracts players of all levels and spectators worldwide.
The Principle: Transparency, good governance, and clear reporting.
The Expansion: Trust is earned through consistency.
We continue to be committed to a culture of transparency in our reporting and decision-making processes. By adopting international standards of good governance, we will keep providing our members with regular, clear, and audited reports, ensuring that every project is directed toward the growth of European chess.
Chess is a powerful tool for social good. We will continue to champion initiatives that integrate chess into educational systems, promote gender equality, and support vulnerable communities. Our team is committed to further transformation of the ECU into a digitally native organization, with strategic partnerships which will elevate the funding of the organisation.
The ECU2030 team 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):
Zurab Azmaiparashvili’s candidacy for ECU President represents a unique blend of elite Grandmaster expertise, proven institutional stability, and a strategic vision for the further development of European chess.
Vlad Ardeleanu’s candidacy for the ECU Deputy President represents leadership with substance, international executive experience, and a modern vision for European chess.
Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou, ECU Secretary General candidate, stands for trusted leadership with clear understanding of challenges in European chess.
Ingrid Lauterbach’s candidacy for the ECU Vice President stands with firm conviction that a strong, unified Europe is essential – both politically and in chess.
Lasse Ostebo Lovik, ECU Vice President candidate, is committed to fairness, transparency, and youth development. He stands for advancing European chess with energy and accountability.
As ECU Treasurer candidate, PD Dr. Prabitha Urwyler is committed to transparency and responsibility, strengthening the organisation’s effectiveness and service to the European chess community.