Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban invited LEN President Paolo Barelli for a visit to Hungary to discuss the preparations for the 2020 European Championships to be staged in Budapest and the country’s long term plans on hosting aquatic events in the future.

The Hungarian Prime Minister received the LEN President in his brand new office in the Buda Castle. This wasn’t the first time they met so the talks were held in a very friendly atmosphere in the presence of Balazs Furjes, State Secretary for Major Budapest Developments.

Mr Orban and Mr Barelli discussed the state of the preparations for the 2020 European Water Polo Championships and the 2020 European Aquatics Championships which shall take place in the same country for the first time since these two meets have been held separately (since 1999). The long term plans for hosting further major aquatic events in Hungary were also part of the negotiations.

“Hungary is a very lucky country for having such a sport-committed leader as Mr Viktor Orban” Paolo Barelli said. “He was very much informed on European Aquatics activities so I started with a congratulation for the win of Ferencvaros in the water polo Champions League last Saturday. We agreed that the Hungarian organisers should do their best to deliver outstanding events in January and in May 2020 as this has become usual in recent years when we witnessed a series of brilliant competitions in the magnificent venues in Budapest.”

Press release from LEN