ECU New Team

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

Today we launch our official website. European Chess has been underfunded and undervalued for too long. That changes now.

Here's our 10-pillar program for the European Chess Union. 🧵♟️

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

As Treasurer, Birger stands for financial responsibility, transparency, institutional stability, and practical cooperation between federations of all sizes.

European chess needs serious financial leadership. Birger is the man to do it.

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

CM @birger_wenzel brings international business experience, event management, and practical chess organization to the ECU New Team.

He is our candidate for Treasurer of the ECU.

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

Professionally, Birger works as Head of International Business Development at Walcot Group, managing international partnerships, senior negotiations, and complex projects across multiple jurisdictions.

[Paul Meyer-Dunker @Meyer_Dunker]

Aus Schachkreisen wird berichtet, dass Weltschachverband-Präsident Arkady Dvorkovich diese Woche in Brüssel Gespräche führen soll, um seine persönliche Situation im Zusammenhang mit dem möglichen 21. EU-Sanktionspaket zu erörtern.
@bundeskanzler @vonderleyen

[Bachar Kouatly @BKouatly]

I published a clear video 4 years ago not supporting dvorkovich, @Zurabazmai @lukaszturlej Why didn’t they stand clearly against him in Chennai ?

[Bachar Kouatly @BKouatly]

Thank you for your endorsment !
We look forward working with Deutscher Schachbund !

[Paul Meyer-Dunker @Meyer_Dunker]

I am happy to announce, that the board of the German Chess Federation decided to endorse @ECUNewTeam for the @ECUonline-elections!

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

We're pleased to announce that we have been officially endorsed by @Schachbund!

The German Chess Federation plays a crucial role in European chess, as one of the largest and most active federations. The new president, @Meyer_Dunker has great ambitions for chess and we look forward to working closely with him.

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

Today we met with our German friends @KevinHoegy and @Jrgen58908223 at the tournament of the Baltic Countries in Riga. This wonderful event has 125+ players and several strong grandmasters.

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

His vision for the Secretary General role is clear: better use of resources, transparent decision-making, commercial sustainability, and an ECU that serves its member federations efficiently.

As Secretary General, Toms stands for modern governance, clear communication, efficient delivery, and a European Chess Union built for the future - not trapped in outdated systems.

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

Our pick for the next General Secretary of the ECU is @TomsKalninsLV

Toms Kalnins brings practical, modern administrative experience to the ECU New Team.

He is President of the Latvian Chess Federation, a FIDE International Organizer, International Arbiter, and FIDE Instructor.

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

He has contributed to major international events including the FIDE Grand Swiss in Riga and the RTU Open - one of the leading tournaments in the Baltic region.

He knows what serious event delivery requires.

[Maria Gevorgyan @GevorgyanMaria]

Today we launched our website.

If you’d like to learn more about our team and our vision for European chess, you can find our 10-pillar program here:

[Bachar Kouatly @BKouatly]

After consulting several federations this is the program that ECU deserves !

[Wadim Rosenstein @WadimRosenstein]

I fully support Bachar’s programme for the future of European chess. It is serious, practical and focused on what matters most: children, schools, federations and the long-term development of the game.

Today, I want to make my own position clear.

I commit up to €1,000,000 per year to support the educational and social initiatives outlined in Bachar’s programme through a transparent, properly governed and fully compliant structure.

This is a concrete commitment to real projects with real impact: children, schools, federations and the future of chess.

Chess is one of the most powerful educational tools available to young people. It teaches discipline, critical thinking, responsibility, concentration and respect. Every child in Europe should have the opportunity to benefit from these values.

European chess deserves sustainable support from partners who genuinely believe in its educational and social mission. School chess programmes can become a powerful platform for learning, inclusion and opportunity across Europe.

I believe it is time to invest seriously in our children, our schools, our federations and the next generation of chess players.

The future of European chess will not be built by words alone. It will be built by commitment, responsibility and action.

I am ready to do my part.

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

That's the program. Every line costed, every euro accounted for, the whole team published before the vote - not after.

Bucharest · 18 July 2026.
Read it all 👉 https://t.co/TOQIBGrKLw

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

Today we launch our official website. European Chess has been underfunded and undervalued for too long. That changes now.

Here's our 10-pillar program for the European Chess Union. 🧵♟️

[ECU New Team @ECUNewTeam]

Pillar 10 - Marketing & broadcasting

The ECU runs several top-tier events a year that nobody hears about.

A real revamp of marketing and broadcasting shows the game in its best light - a virtuous circle that starts with a louder signal.