Teamwork makes the dream work!
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) was delighted to have joined the European Fencing Confederation (EFC)’s 2026 Congress this weekend at the CREPS Île-de-France, a high-performance sports centre in Châtenay-Malabry, France.
The two-day meeting titled “Europe and Beyond: A Shared Vision for Fencing – Working Together in a Changing Sporting Landscape” brought together leading fencing stakeholders from around Europe and across the globe.
FIE President-Interim Abdelmoneim ElHusseiny was on hand to speak directly with EFC President Pascal Tesch, the EFC leadership, and valued members of the European fencing community.
Stressing the importance of teamwork and collaboration, President-Interim ElHusseiny praised the strong relationship enjoyed between the FIE and EFC during a highly engaging presentation.
“The FIE is proud to work together – unified and strong – with the EFC on behalf of our athletes,” he said. “Taking our sport to exciting new levels is our key aim, and to achieve it requires that we continue to operate openly and transparently, without hidden agendas and beyond politics of any kind. Our goals are very much aligned and, through increased collaboration and cooperation, we will ensure a bright and powerful future for fencing.”
Following opening remarks from EFC President Tesch, participants heard from an elite lineup of speakers on a range of topics of great importance to the sport of fencing on the continent, including:
Shaping Tomorrow: The Future of the European Cadet Circuit;
Inside European Fencing: Governance, Inclusion, and Development; and
Supporting Athletes and Federations.
Discussions were lively and interactive throughout, with attendees examining improvements made by the EFC Bureau over the last year and a half, the EFC Commissions and their work, and the shared challenges, creative solutions, and new opportunities facing smaller European Federations.
France’s Jade Maréchal, a 25-year-old national team foilist, delivered a terrific presentation on how athletes can successfully engage with sponsors, from pitches to storytelling to nurturing long-term relationships.
On Day 2 at the CREPS Île-de-France, the EFC held its Ordinary Congress as per its statutes.
The FIE’s attendance at the EFC Congress reflects the long-standing partnership between the two organisations, which remain committed to working together to provide the greatest support to our athletes while advancing the sport of fencing and its values throughout Europe and around the world.
