Surprising. On Wednesday 10 May, Hungary announced its decision not to organise the next European Figure Skating Championships. They were scheduled for January 2024 in the capital, Budapest. The reason given was a lack of budget. The Hungarian Skating Federation (MOKSZ) explained in a press release: “Due to the prolonged war on our doorstep, its impact on the economy and the energy prices which considerably affect skating, the national federation has decided to give up after a thorough examination. We no longer have sufficient financial resources to hold a high-level competition.” According to national media reports, Hungarian skating officials have taken the decision to return the continental event, awarded by the ISU in 2021, as they were unable to get support from the political authorities. The ISU has announced that it has launched a new call for bids to host the 2024 European Championships. The deadline for applications is 26 May 2023. Hungary had already invoked a budget problem earlier this year to partially withdraw from the organisation of the 2024 Women’s Euro Handball Championship, which it is to host with Austria and Switzerland. Two Hungarian cities were involved, Budapest and Debrecen. But only the latter will host matches. However, there are no concerns about the major event planned for Hungary in 2023: the World Outdoor Athletics Championships (19-27 August).
