CEV hosts inaugural meeting with European Coaching License Agreement (ECLA) Pilot Federations

Earlier this week, the European Coaches Commission (ECoC) hosted the inaugural meeting for the European Coaching License Agreement (ECLA) project, thereby gathering representatives from Germany, Hungary, Spain, and Sweden as the first pilot National Federations involved in this pioneering initiative.

The pilot countries include France, Romania, and Türkiye as well, although the representatives from these Federations were unable to attend the session. 

The meeting marked an important first step toward the establishment of a European framework for mutual recognition of coaching licenses, primarily aiming to enhance mobility and transparency across national systems. Led by European Coaches Commission President Ferhat Akbaş, participants shared national practices and discussed potential cooperation models under a common CEV umbrella.

Key discussion points included:

•    Mapping existing coaching education structures and certification levels;
•    Identifying legal and administrative frameworks at national level;
•    Considering pathways for equivalence and mutual recognition;
•    Exploring future tools for European coaches.

“This was an essential first conversation to understand the diverse realities of our National Federations and to move toward a more connected and transparent coaching landscape in Europe,” said Akbaş. 

Further meetings will follow to refine the cooperation model and outline next steps for the ECLA pilot phase in 2026.