IFSC Secretary General Piero Rebaudengo and IFSC Research & Development Director Silvia Verdolini took part in the IFSC Europe Plenary Assembly, hosted in Leuven over two days with workshops, discussions, and strategic updates involving European National Federations.

The programme began on Friday with welcome remarks, workshops, and an evening reception. The event was formally opened that evening by Mayor of Leuven, Mohamed Ridouani, highlighting the city’s strong commitment to sport and inclusion.

The Plenary Assembly included official business, reports, and decisions. IFSC Europe President Tijl Smitz delivered his President’s Report, highlighting ongoing initiatives and the continued growth of IFSC Europe. IFSC Secretary General Piero Rebaudengo followed with an address that reinforced the importance of cooperation between IFSC and its continental structures and provided an update on activities.

Updates were provided across all areas of activity, including finance by Treasurer Josselin Cazaux, sport by Vice President Sport Heiko Wilhelm, and athletes’ representation by Michael Piccolruaz, IFSC Europe Athletes’ Representative, who presented his report on athlete engagement and 2026 priorities.

A notable moment of the Assembly was the address by Ellen van Camp, President of the Belgian Paralympic Committee, who emphasised Leuven’s sporting culture and the importance of fully integrating para athletes within climbing structures. “You are an excellent example of what inclusion can mean,” she said, thanking IFSC, IFSC Europe and the Federation for the opportunity to speak, and praising the Belgian Climbing and Mountaineering Federation for its model of integrated pathways from grassroots to elite sport.

Van Camp also encouraged all federations to embrace para climbing ahead of its Paralympic debut at LA28, adding: “I hope you will go home with a backpack full of ideas to put para climbing on the agenda in your country—and that we will see many of your para-athletes in action in Los Angeles.”

The Assembly concluded with discussions on future planning, host guidelines, and elections for new IFSC Europe Board members Kristiina Toots and Margarita Smirnoviene.

The IFSC extends its thanks to IFSC Europe, the Belgian Climbing and Mountaineering Federation, and the city of Leuven for their warm welcome and excellent organisation of this year’s Assembly.