Source: BBC, Reuters
The Netherlands pulled out of hosting the 2019 European Games on June 10, two days before the opening ceremony of the inaugural event in Baku,
BBC
and other international editions reported.
“This news is disappointing, but we would like to thank the Dutch for their interest,” said European Olympic Committee chairman Patrick Hickey in a statement. “I have no doubt that we will be able to present a strong host for the 2019 European Games, but right now our focus remains on ensuring this inaugural edition is the best possible launch pad for Europe’s first continental Games.”
Netherlands, the only bidder for the 2019 event, cited difficulty in obtaining government support as the reason for backing out of hosting the Games.
“The sum requested of 57.5 million euros ($65.02 million) for the 2019 European Games is, in this time of scarcity, a burden on the resources that the authorities have at their disposal,” Dutch Sports Minister Edith Schippers said in a letter to Parliament, according to
Reuters
.
By some accounts, Azerbaijan spent $8 billion on hosting the European Games, an equivalent of six times the amount of the country’s healthcare wages in the 24 years. The government is also covering the travel and accommodation expenses for 6,000 athletes – a move widely criticized by human rights groups as an attempt to whitewash the country’s human rights record.
