We celebrate the development that European Chess Union has seen over the last few years and the opportunity to launch a new Road map for success.

In the last one and a half years, we have witnessed many financial and economic difficulties in various countries around the World. Europe has not been spared. We have a Responsibility to chart the channels whereby we will ensure that the foundations of the European Chess Union are strengthened through all possible means.

We must Revolutionize the way we have been thinking. Failures in the past provide valuable examples to learn from. An open debate is a vital ingredient in which possible solutions are evaluated on the grounds of their effectiveness in dealing with a problem and of the implications to everyone affected by them.

We must work together to improve the calendar and conditions of ECU events. We must also ensure a wider degree of participation by all the member countries. We must build closer Relationships with all member Federations by listening carefully to what they advocate or suggest.

Finally, Results are what matter most. I believe strongly that Europe should have a healthy balance sheet not only financially but with more activities on the calendar for women and for youths. We should also ensure that appropriate sponsorship is attracted to fund chess development programmes in all our 54 member Federations and that our internet and media platforms are brought to the professional level that is required in the world today.

 We welcome all our friends to work together for a successful future. Everybody is welcome to join the team, as through our unity, we all become stronger.

Winning is a habit, Success is a choice

Ali Nihat YAZICI