Serbia were one of 11 countries who expressed an interest in staging the event after the Netherlands' pulled out and were chosen by the European Handball Federation (EHF) ahead of Croatia, Denmark, Iceland, Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia and Sweden. 

The event will be held in Belgrade, Nis, Vrsac and Novi Sad, the venues that successfully hosted the men's European Championships last January.

The tournament is due to take place between December 4 and 16. 

"I am delighted that we are to return to Serbia in December 2012, the Serbian Federation did an exceptional job of organising the men's event and I am confident that the Women's EHF Euro in December will be just as successful," said Tor Lian, the President of the EHF.

"The huge interest from our national federations around Europe in the organisation of the event made the choice of host a difficult decision for the EHF Executive, but this underlines just how important and valuable this event has become."

Already confirmed for the tournamen are Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Russia, France, Macedonia, Sweden, Czech
Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Ukraine, Spain and Norway as defending champions.

They won the event in 2010, beating Sweden 25-20 in the final, when they were co-hosts with Denmark.


It was their fifth victory in seven tournaments, and fourth in a row.

Iceland has been awarded the remaining place in the Championship, which had been reserved for the Netherlands as host.

With the top two teams from each qualification group going forward to the finals, and Serbia having already qualified, Iceland qualified as the best placed third team. 

The draw for the finals is due to take place at the EHF Congress in Monaco on Friday (June 22).

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