At the European Athletics Convention in Belgrade leaders gave their full support to the championships, which will take place in the Finnish capital between June 27 and July 1, just a few weeks before the Olympic Games later that summer in London.

European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz said: "I am extremely heartened that our member federations are fully supporting the European Athletics Championships by committing to sending their best athletes.

"A successful Helsinki 2012 featuring the continent's best athletes will increase the Championships' visibility, increase the intense interest in athletics during an Olympic year and add momentum to the sport ahead of the Games in London.

"Helsinki will be an ideal platform for athletes to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games as the championships take place just a few days before the entry deadline."

The French, German, Italian and Spanish federations - the G4 group - also reaffirmed their commitment to Helsinki 2012 at their meeting in Rome last month, with the four federation Presidents unanimously agreeing to send their top athletes.

Helsinki 2012 will be the beginning of European Athletics' flagship championships following a two-year cycle.

The Championships in 2012, and in other years when they coincide with the Olympics, will be held without the out-of-stadia events, such as the marathons and race walks.

"This change from a four-year cycle to a two-year cycle is a necessary one for our sport," said Wirz.

"It will increase the number of European champions - thus providing inspiration to a greater number of people on the continent, particularly younger ones."


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