The local authorities in Varna unanimously decided to provide financial support for two significant international sports forums that will take place in 2026. The municipal councilors voted to allocate 720,000 leva for organizing the European Men's Volleyball Championship and the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship.
The financing will be included in the budget for the next year, with the preliminary condition that sports federations present detailed financial calculations. The maritime capital, which traditionally establishes itself as a center for volleyball events, will host a significant number of matches from the prestigious championship.
Specifically for the volleyball tournament, Varna will host matches from the group stage, four round of 16, and two quarter-final matches. The sporting event is planned to take place between September 4 and 27, 2026, in the "Congress" hall of the Palace of Culture and Sports. To ensure the teams' stay, the municipality will allocate up to 420,000 leva.
The Bulgarian national team will have the opportunity to play in front of a local audience, competing with leading European teams. In parallel with the volleyball tournament, the city will also host the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship, scheduled for May/June 2026.
Up to 300,000 leva from the municipal budget are allocated for the preparation and realization of the gymnastics championship. This choice is not random - after the successful hosting in 2021, Varna will once again establish itself as a prestigious stage for elite sports events on a European scale.