The Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in North America in 2028, followed by Oceania in 2032. Europe will therefore have a role to play in subsequent editions. The rule of continental rotation could play into the hands of Asia or the Middle East in 2036, with South Korea, India, Indonesia, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia as announced or expected candidates. The Old Continent tour should therefore be presented again for the 2040 edition. And some are already starting to prepare.
Germany, a strong favorite
The resounding success of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games is naturally making France's neighbors' mouths water. “The Paris 2024 Games have proven that such a spectacle can be both economically viable and promote shared values and sustainability.”, underlines Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Sport. “Seeing the European Union visibly present for the first time was wonderful.”, he says to Politico while the star-spangled banner was present at all competition venues for the first time. The Maltese clearly expressed his wish to see "the Olympic flame will shine again on EU territory at the earliest opportunity"And whoever says European Union necessarily says Germany.
The German Olympic Committee (DOSB) has clearly defined his action planThe country is considering submitting a bid for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Games. Knowing that the 2040 edition would mark the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification, a historical nod that could weigh in the balance. Several potential hosts are in the running: Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, and the Rhine-Ruhr region. The DOSB will study the various applications by September and will make a final decision in 2026. Germany has not hosted the Games since Munich 1972 and is presenting itself with very serious arguments. This is on the condition that the citizens approve the project, since the DOSB has specified that it will allow cities/regions the opportunity to consult the population – which has been a barrier to several bid applications in the recent history of the Olympic Movement.
Madrid to ward off bad luck, London to satisfy hunger
The European Union's hopes could also rest on Spain, which has been patient since Barcelona 1992. Madrid has applied to be awarded the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Games, but without ever winning. The capital is expected to try again for 2040. The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, expressed support for a bid last year. She also mentioned that the authorities were working on the subject. The Foro Emprasarial, an association representing the interests of businesses in the region, already supports the idea: its president, Hilario Alfaro, has asked for a show of "more audacity" and to put in place "new ideas", citing the organization of the Games among its proposals. The Spanish Olympic Committee can commit itself a little more now that the Elective Assembly of May 28 re-elected Alejandro Blanco for a sixth term.
Outside the EU, but still within Europe, London could also join the fight. Mayor Sadiq Khan took advantage of an interview with Times to recall his ambition to make London "the world capital of sport", and therefore to bid in 2040 for its city to become the first in history to host the Games four times. London has a number of advantages: the infrastructure is already there, as is the know-how. Costs would therefore be reduced, and the recent experience of 2012 would provide guarantees for the smooth running of the event. The downside, and not the least: Great Britain has already been served recently, and the organization of the Games must benefit as many countries as possible. Returning to London while Germany has been waiting for more than half a century would not necessarily be fair. The question will inevitably arise in the years to come. One thing is certain: Europe will not be short of contenders. Especially since Poland and Turkey are also considering a bid.
