2015 European Games#Controversies

Baku was awarded the right to host the first European Games at the 41st EOC General Assembly in Rome, on 8 December 2012. The European Games will take place every four years thereafter, with the next competition held in 2019.

The decision was made as a result of secret balloting, where of 48 votes, 38 were in favour of the sole bidder for the event.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/news/1012007-baku-to-host-first-european-games-in-2015|title=Baku to host first European Games in 2015|author=Duncan Mackay|work=insidethegames.biz - Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games News}} Eight votes were against, and two more abstained from voting. The representatives of Armenia refused to take part in the voting.{{cite web|url=http://www.milli.az/news/sport/156225.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211100642/http://milli.az/news/sport/156225.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-12-11 |title=İlk Avropa Oyunları Bakıda keçiriləcək - YENİLƏNİB - FOTO |work=MILLI.AZ }}

The Organising Committee responsible for the inaugural European Games in Baku was established by decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The committee is chaired by the First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva,{{cite web|title=Baku 2015: Organisation |url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/the-games/organisation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827022120/http://www.baku2015.com/en/the-games/organisation |url-status=usurped |archive-date=27 August 2014 |website=www.baku2015.com |access-date=12 November 2014 }} member of the Executive Committee of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committee (BEGOC) was established under the direction of the Chairperson of the Organising Committee.

The Chief Executive Officer of BEGOC is Azad Rahimov, Minister of Youth and Sport while the Chief Operating Officer is Simon Clegg.

File:Baku National Stadium 2015-06.jpg]]

File:Stamps of Azerbaijan, 2014-First European Games. Baku 2015 - 3.jpg

File:Baku Crystal Hall 2014 1.jpg]]

There were four clusters and 18 competition venues for the inaugural European Games, including 12 that were designed to become permanent venues. Five of the venues were new-builds: the National Gymnastics Arena, BMX Velopark, Baku Aquatics Centre, Baku Shooting Centre and National Stadium.

There were six temporary venues: Water Polo Arena, Beach Arena, Basketball Arena, Mountain Bike Velopark, Triathlon, Cycling road race and time trial.

The Athletes Village, located in the Nizami raion of Baku,{{cite web|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/the-games/venues/Athletes%20Village |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829032704/http://www.baku2015.com/en/the-games/venues/Athletes%20Village |url-status=usurped |archive-date=2014-08-29 |title=Baku 2015 - Athletes Village |work=baku2015.com }} comprises 13 buildings, 16 different types of apartments with three to four bedrooms per apartment.{{cite web|title=Athletes Village at Baku 2015 European Games Will Be World Class|url=http://aroundtherings.com/site/A__46700/Title__Athletes-Village-at-Baku-2015-European-Games-Will-Be-World-Class/292/Articles|website=aroundtherings.com|access-date=25 June 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714180454/http://aroundtherings.com/site/A__46700/Title__Athletes-Village-at-Baku-2015-European-Games-Will-Be-World-Class/292/Articles|url-status=dead}}

;Village cluster

;Flag square cluster

;City cluster

;Other venues

Bilgəh beach — road cycling time trials

File:Tickets of European Games 2015.jpg

The local organising committee launched an {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20150620152959/http://www.baku2015.com/tickets/article/online-sales.html online sales page]}} on its website to allow fans purchasing tickets for the inaugural event.{{cite web|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/president-and-first-lady-azerbaijan-purchase-first-baku-2015-tickets-29711.html|title=President and First Lady of Azerbaijan purchase first Baku 2015 tickets|work=baku2015.com|access-date=2015-04-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627091740/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/president-and-first-lady-azerbaijan-purchase-first-baku-2015-tickets-29711.html|archive-date=2015-06-27|url-status=usurped}}

Adult tickets for sport sessions range between AZN 2 – AZN 5, according to competition round (for example preliminary or final), seat category, and venue.

Organisers aimed to recruit 12,500 volunteers to play roles during the Games, including assisting athletes and dignitaries, working at sport competitions, or providing assistance to spectators or the media. Baku 2015 European Games volunteers were called Flamekeepers.{{cite web|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-european-games-volunteers-called-flamekeepers.html|title=Baku 2015 European Games volunteers to be called Flamekeepers|work=baku2015.com|access-date=2015-05-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521025725/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-european-games-volunteers-called-flamekeepers.html|archive-date=2015-05-21|url-status=usurped}} 6,000 Ceremonies Performers voluntarily took part in the opening and closing ceremonies.{{cite web|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-european-games-hosts-performer-auditions-for-opening-and-closing-ceremonies.html|title=Baku 2015 European Games hosts performer auditions for Opening and Closing Ceremonies|work=baku2015.com|access-date=2015-05-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627091632/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-european-games-hosts-performer-auditions-for-opening-and-closing-ceremonies.html|archive-date=2015-06-27|url-status=usurped}}

{{main|2015 European Games opening ceremony}}

The Closing Ceremony was held on 28 June in the National Stadium. James Hadley was the Artistic Director and Christian Steinhäuser was the Music Director of the Closing Ceremony.{{cite web|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-european-games-appoints-artistic-director-for-closing-ceremony.html|title=Baku 2015 European Games appoints Artistic Director for Closing Ceremony|work=baku2015.com|access-date=2015-04-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629010003/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-european-games-appoints-artistic-director-for-closing-ceremony.html|archive-date=2015-06-29|url-status=usurped}}

File:2015 European Games map.svg

50 national olympic committees participated in this European Games edition, including the Olympic Committee of Kosovo in its first time at a wide multi-sport event. Since the Faroe Islands and Gibraltar are not members of the European Olympic Committee, the Faroese participants occurred for the Ligue Européenne de Natation and the Gibraltar participants for the Athletic Association of Small States of Europe.

{{colend}}

|}

A total of 20 sports was represented: 16 Olympic sports, two Olympic sports contested only in non-Olympic formats (basketball and football) and two non-Olympic sports (karate and sambo). Two para-sport events were contested judo. Twelve of the sports (archery, athletics, boxing, cycling, judo, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball, wrestling) would offer qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. The aquatic sports are only open to junior-level competitors, and the athletics competition forms the third division of the European Team Championships.

{{Colbegin|colwidth=18em}}

• Aquatics
• Diving (8)
• Swimming (42)
• Synchronised swimming (4)
• Water polo (2)
• Archery (5)
• Athletics (1)
• Badminton (5)
• Basketball (3x3) (2)
• Beach soccer (1)
• Boxing (15)
• Canoe sprint (15)
• Cycling
• BMX (2)
• Mountain biking (2)
• Road (4)
• Fencing (12)
• Gymnastics
• Acrobatic (6)
• Aerobic (2)
• Artistic (14)
• Rhythmic (8)
• Trampoline (4)
• Judo (16)
• Para-Judo (2)
• Karate (12)
• Sambo (8)
• Shooting (19)
• Table tennis (4)
• Taekwondo (8)
• Triathlon (2)
• Volleyball
• Beach (2)
• Indoor (2)
• Wrestling
• Freestyle (16)
• Greco-Roman (8)

{{colend}}

The competition schedule consists of 253 events.{{cite web|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/schedule |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828113946/http://www.baku2015.com/en/schedule |url-status=usurped |archive-date=2014-08-28 |title=Baku 2015 - Schedule |work=baku2015.com }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.eurolympic.org/images/Baku_2015_NOC_Newsletter_3.PDF |title=schedule version 4.0 |access-date=2014-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213003034/http://eurolympic.org/images/Baku_2015_NOC_Newsletter_3.PDF |archive-date=2015-02-13 |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|2015 European Games medal table}}

{{Further|List of 2015 European Games medal winners}}

{{:2015 European Games medal table}}

Image:Olympic Broadcasting Services 2014 logo.svg.]]

The International Sports Broadcasting (ISB) and Olympic Broadcasting Services are the host broadcasters of the European Games.{{Cite web|title=International Sports Broadcasting (ISB) Selected As Host Broadcaster For Inaugural European Games In Baku|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/13-12-2013|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129020650/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/13-12-2013|archive-date=2014-11-29}} During the Games, ISB was anticipated to produce 800 hours of broadcast coverage.

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• {{ALB}} – Tring Media{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcasting agreements with five countries|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcasting-agreements-with-five-countries|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129044305/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcasting-agreements-with-five-countries|archive-date=2014-11-29}}
• {{AUT}} – ORF
• {{AZE}} – AzTV
• {{BLR}} – BTRC
• {{BEL}} – Sport 10{{Cite web|first=Gary|last=Anderson|title=Baku 2015 announce broadcast deals in Belgium, Romania and Hungary|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/major-games/european-games/baku-2015/1022467-baku-2015-announce-broadcast-deals-in-belgium-romania-and-hungary/|website=Inside the Games|date=9 September 2014|access-date=13 November 2024}}
• {{BGR}} – BNT HD{{Cite web|url=http://bnt.bg/about-bnt/presinformatsiya/bnt-hd-izla-chva-pryako-ba-lgarskoto-uchastie-v-pa-rvite-evropejski-igri-baku-2015|title=BNT will show live the Bulgarian participation in Baku 2015}}
• {{CRO}} – SPTV{{cite web|title=Croatia's sport fans to enjoy extensive TV coverage of Baku 2015|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/croatia-sport-fans-enjoy-extensive-coverage-baku-2015.html|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-05-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705112927/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/croatia-sport-fans-enjoy-extensive-coverage-baku-2015.html|archive-date=2015-07-05}}
• {{CZE}} – Czech Television • DigiSport
• {{DEN}} – TV 2{{cite web|url=http://omtv2.tv2.dk/nyhedsartikler/nyhedsvisning/baku-2015-european-games-paa-tv-2-sport/cat/8/?cHash=a9e078526932c5f5f82fb3715fc52a9c|title=Baku 2015 European Games på TV 2|website=TV2 Denmark|language=da|access-date=2015-03-05|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150308101530/http://omtv2.tv2.dk/nyhedsartikler/nyhedsvisning/baku-2015-european-games-paa-tv-2-sport/cat/8/?cHash=a9e078526932c5f5f82fb3715fc52a9c|archive-date=2015-03-08|url-status=dead}}
• {{EST}} – ERR{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games signs five major European broadcast deals|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-five-major-european-broadcast-deals|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202195431/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-five-major-european-broadcast-deals|archive-date=2015-02-02}}
• {{FIN}} – Yle{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast deals with two more European countries|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-deals-with-two-more-european-countries|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212163741/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-deals-with-two-more-european-countries|archive-date=2015-02-12}}
• {{FRA}} and {{MON}} – L'Equipe 21{{cite web|title=Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast agreement with French television station L'Equipe 21|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-agreement-with-french-television-station-lEquipe-21|website=Baku 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105205732/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-agreement-with-french-television-station-lEquipe-21|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-11-05}}
• {{GEO}} – GPB
• {{GER}} – Sport1{{cite web|url=http://www.dosb.de/de/olympia/europaspiele/details-europaspiele/news/sport1_uebertraegt_europaspiele_baku_2015/|title=Der Deutsche Olympische Sportbund: Sport1 überträgt Europaspiele Baku 2015|url-status=dead|website=German Olympic Committee|access-date=13 November 2024|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923220308/http://www.dosb.de/de/olympia/europaspiele/details-europaspiele/news/sport1_uebertraegt_europaspiele_baku_2015/|archive-date=23 September 2015}}
• {{GRE}} – ERT
• {{HUN}} – DigiSport
• {{IRL}} – Setanta Sports{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 - Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast agreement with Ireland's Setanta Sports|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-agreement-with-irelands-setanta-sports|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227192157/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-agreement-with-irelands-setanta-sports|archive-date=27 February 2015}}
• {{ISR}} – Sport 5 • Sport1
• {{ITA}} – Sky Sport{{Cite web|title=Baku: Esclusiva Sky Sport, un canale dedicato, 2:50 ore live|url=http://sport.sky.it/sport/altri_sport/2015/06/11/baku_2015_i_giochi_europei_in_diretta_esclusiva_sky.html|url-status=dead|website=Sky Sport Italy|publisher=Sky Group|access-date=2015-06-13|language=it|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713111626/http://sport.sky.it/sport/altri_sport/2015/06/11/baku_2015_i_giochi_europei_in_diretta_esclusiva_sky.html |archive-date=2015-07-13}}
• {{KOS}} – RTK
• {{LAT}} – LTV
• {{LTU}} – TV6
• {{LUX}} – RTL Group
• {{MDA}} – Moldova Sport TV
• {{flag|Macedonia}} – MKRTV
• {{NED}} – NOS{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 signs new deals to show European Games in Europe and Central Asia|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-signs-new-deals-show-european-games-europe-and-central-asia.html|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610181022/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-signs-new-deals-show-european-games-europe-and-central-asia.html|archive-date=2015-06-10}}
• {{NOR}} – TV 2
• {{POL}} – Polsat{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast agreement with Poland's Polsat Network|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-agreement-with-poland-polsat-network.html|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705112945/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-agreement-with-poland-polsat-network.html|archive-date=2015-07-05}}
• {{POR}} – Sport TV
• {{ROU}} – DigiSport
• {{RUS}} – Russia-2 • Sport-1
• {{SRB}} – RTS{{Cite press release|title=Serbia Signs Up For Baku 2015 European Games Coverage|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/serbia-signs-for-baku-2015-european-games-coverage.html|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|date=1 June 2015|access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614180748/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/serbia-signs-for-baku-2015-european-games-coverage.html|archive-date=14 June 2015}}
• {{SVK}} – DigiSport
• {{SLO}} – Šport TV{{Cite web|title=Broadcast List|url=http://www.baku2015.com/mm/Document/Documents/Documents/03/93/89/Broadcasterslist_English.pdf|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620145020/http://www.baku2015.com/mm/Document/Documents/Documents/03/93/89/Broadcasterslist_English.pdf |archive-date=2015-06-20}}
• {{ESP}} – RTVE
• {{SUI}} – Sport1
• {{TUR}} – NTV Spor{{Cite web|first=Duncan|last=Mackay|title=Baku 2015 signs first international broadcast agreement|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/major-games/european-games/baku-2015/1022314-baku-2015-signs-first-international-broadcast-agreement/|website=Inside the Games|date=1 September 2014|access-date=13 November 2024}}
• {{UK}} – BT Sport{{Cite web|title=BT Sport to broadcast European Games|url=http://sport.bt.com/watch-now/programmes/bt-sport-to-broadcast-european-games-S11363977033628?s_intcid=con_BTcomHP|website=BT Sport|date=23 April 2015|access-date=25 April 2015|archive-date=14 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614154839/http://sport.bt.com/watch-now/programmes/bt-sport-to-broadcast-european-games-S11363977033628?s_intcid=con_BTcomHP|url-status=dead}}
• {{UKR}} – NTU{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 signs TV deals in four more countries|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-signs-deals-four-more-countries.html|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-05-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619015852/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-signs-deals-four-more-countries.html|archive-date=2015-06-19}}

{{div col end}}

; Rest of the world

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• Africa – Fox Sports Africa
• {{ANG}} – Sport TV
• {{flagcountry|Arab League|name=Arab States}} – ASBU{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games signs major broadcast agreement with Arab States Broadcasting Union|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-major-broadcast-agreement-with-arab-states-broadcasting-union|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128200157/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-major-broadcast-agreement-with-arab-states-broadcasting-union|archive-date=2014-11-28}}
• {{AUS}} – Seven Network{{cite web|first=David|last=Knox|title=Seven to broadcast European Games|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/04/seven-to-broadcast-european-games.html|website=TV Tonight|date=9 April 2015|access-date=9 April 2015}}
• {{CAN}} – Universal Sports
• {{CHN}} – CCTV{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games signs broadcast deal with China Central Television|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-deal-with-china-central-television|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226131616/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-deal-with-china-central-television|archive-date=2014-12-26}}
• {{CUB}} – ICRT
• {{HKG}} – TVB{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games has agreed another television deal outside the continent of Europe to show the inaugural event|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-agreement-with-hong-kong-tvb-network.html|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-04-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705112956/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-european-games-signs-broadcast-agreement-with-hong-kong-tvb-network.html|archive-date=2015-07-05}}
• {{IND}} – NEO Sports{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 signs broadcast agreement with India's NEO Sports|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-signs-broadcast-agreement-with-india-neo-sports.html|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705112922/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-signs-broadcast-agreement-with-india-neo-sports.html|archive-date=2015-07-05}}
• {{IRN}} – GEM GROUP{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 signs Iran deal to reach 75 million audience|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-signs-iran-deal-reach-million-audience.html?intcmp=nav_suggested|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529202527/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/baku-2015-signs-iran-deal-reach-million-audience.html?intcmp=nav_suggested|archive-date=2015-05-29}}
• {{JPN}} – TBS{{Cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games signs deal with Japanese broadcaster|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-deal-with-japanese-broadcaster|url-status=dead|website=Baku 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105205729/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/baku-2015-european-games-signs-deal-with-japanese-broadcaster|archive-date=2014-11-05}}
• {{noflag}}Latin America – América Móvil{{Cite web|title=Latin America tunes into the Baku 2015 European Games|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/latin-america-tunes-into-the-baku-2015-european-games.html|website=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705112958/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/latin-america-tunes-into-the-baku-2015-european-games.html|archive-date=2015-07-05|url-status=usurped}}
• {{MOZ}} – Sport TV
• {{KOR}} – SBS
• {{NZL}} – Sky Sport
• {{TKM}} – Setanta Sports
• {{USA}} – ESPN
• {{UZB}} – Setanta Sports

{{div col end}}

Amnesty International have been a vocal critic of the Baku 2015 European Games, stating in March 2015, "Azerbaijan may be a safe country for athletes taking part in the 100 metres, but defending rights and free speech is a dangerous game here. Those who champion them receive harassment and prison sentences instead of medals.".{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/articles/blogs/2015/03/baku-a-city-of-stark-contrasts-ahead-of-european-games-in-azerbaijan/|title=Baku: a city of stark contrasts ahead of European Games in Azerbaijan|date=March 2015}} In August 2014, the human rights organisation highlighted the 24 prisoners of conscience being held in Azerbaijan prisons as an example of abuses.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/top-british-baku-2015-organiser-not-my-job-criticise-azerbaijan-human-rights-abuses-1461304|title=Top British Baku 2015 Organiser: Not My Job to Criticise Azerbaijan Human Rights Abuses|date=August 2014}} Western countries also criticized Aliyev's intention to close the OSCE offices in Baku.{{cite web | url=http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Actualitate/Politica/Victor+Ponta+alaturi+de+lideri+loiali+presedintelui+rus+Vladimir | title=Victor Ponta, în galeria celor mai înverșunați lideri politici. Reacţii dure după controversata decizie a premierului | date=13 June 2015 | access-date=13 June 2015}}

In June 2015, The Guardian reported that its own reporters, along with those of other media outlets, had been barred from entering Baku to cover the games. Human Rights Watch, in the same article, stated it had observed "the worst crackdown the country has seen in the post-Soviet era".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/11/azerbaijan-bans-guardian-european-games-baku-2015|title=Azerbaijan bans Guardian from reporting on Baku European Games|website=TheGuardian.com |date=June 2015}}

Most European heads of state and government refused to participate at the opening ceremony,{{cite news|last1=Shearlaw|first1=Maeve|last2=Jones|first2=Charlie|title=From political prisoners to media bans: Baku's European Games in numbers|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/azerbaijan-european-games-numbers-political-prisoners|access-date=17 November 2015|work=The Guardian}} sending mid- or low-level representatives instead.{{Citation needed|date=June 2015}} Among those who did participate were Vladimir Putin of Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey, Aleksander Lukashenko of Belarus, Boyko Borisov of Bulgaria and Victor Ponta of Romania. Ponta and Borisov faced criticism at home for their participation.

During the games there was a road accident where a coach driver drove into a group of young Austrian athletes by mixing up the accelerator and brake pedals, with the incident recorded by a surveillance camera. 15-year-old Austrian synchronized swimmer Vanessa Sahinovic and her teammates Lisa Breit and Luna Pajer were injured. Sahinovic was placed in an induced coma and flown to Vienna for emergency surgery. Sahinovic was left paraplegic in the accident. Because of the accident, Austria had to withdraw from the team competition. In the synchronized swimming duet competition, sisters Anna-Maria and Eirini-Maria Alexandri won the silver medal, which they dedicated to the injured teammates. The police officer who released the video of the surveillance camera was relieved of his duties. Sahinovic is recovering, and is supported by an initiative of Austrian swimmers and a fundraising campaign.{{cite news |title=European Games: Bus driver held over injured athletes |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33122334 |date=13 June 2015 |access-date=13 June 2015}}{{cite news |title=Baku Police Officer Fired Over Video Of Bus Ramming Athletes |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/azerbaijan-policeman-fired-over-release-of-bus-video/27073022.html |date=15 June 2015 |access-date=19 November 2015}}{{cite web |title= When I'm underwater I forget all my problems and the world seems much better than before |url=https://synchroworldnews.wordpress.com/2015/10/03/when-im-underwater-i-forget-all-my-problems-and-the-world-seems-much-better-than-before/ |date=3 October 2015 |access-date=19 November 2015}}[http://sport.orf.at/stories/2239526/2239525/ Schicksalshafter Moment in Baku], orf.at, 2010-10-18[http://derstandard.at/2000027771335/Ein-Unfall-und-viele-offenen-Fragen Ein Unfall und viele offene Fragen], Der Standard, 2015-12-21.[http://sport.orf.at/stories/2242857/2242859/ „Aus dem alten Leben rausgerissen“], orf.at, 2012-12-27

File:2015 European Games Mascots.svg

The official logo for the 2015 European Games was unveiled on 16 June 2014.{{cite web|last1=Korram|first1=Andy|title=The "European Games, Baku 2015" disclosed their official logo|url=http://en.mastaekwondo.com/2014/06/the-european-games-baku-2015-disclosed-their-official-logo/|website=en.mastaekwondo.com|date=17 June 2014 |access-date=25 June 2014}} Designed by Adam Yunusov, it was inspired by country's ancient and contemporary culture.{{cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games: an exciting blend of ancient and contemporary culture|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/video/baku-2015-european-games-exciting-111526256.html|website=uk.news.yahoo.com|date=25 November 2013 |publisher=Euronews|access-date=25 June 2014}} The logo includes flame, water, the mythical Simurgh bird, an Azerbaijani carpet and a pomegranate as one of the symbols of Azerbaijani profusion.{{cite web|last1=Idyatova|first1=Sabina|title=Pomegranate: a crowned fruit|url=http://www.azernews.az/analysis/53125.html|website=www.azernews.az|date=13 January 2014 |access-date=25 June 2014}} The pomegranate, called Nar (pomegranate in Azerbaijani), is one of two mascots for the Games, along with a gazelle named Jeyran (gazelle in Azerbaijani). The couple are intended to represent the spirit of Azerbaijan and help excite the youth for the event.{{cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games Unveils Official Mascots Jeyran And Nar |url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/press-releases/baku-2015-european-games-unveils-official-mascots-jeyran-and-nar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128051151/http://www.baku2015.com/en/news/press-releases/baku-2015-european-games-unveils-official-mascots-jeyran-and-nar |url-status=usurped |archive-date=28 November 2014 |website=www.baku2015.com |access-date=26 November 2014 }}

The brand incorporates traditional Azerbaijani imagery with images and colours designed to evoke a European sporting feel. The pomegranate tree, whose fruit juice is one of Azerbaijan's main exports, features heavily. The brand was created with legacy potential in mind, possibly inspired by the way the Commonwealth Games’ branding retains a similar feel each year.{{cite news|url=http://www.transformmagazine.net/cultural-icon-brings-european-games-brand-to-life/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020024657/http://www.transformmagazine.net/cultural-icon-brings-european-games-brand-to-life/|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 October 2014|title=Cultural icon brings European Games brand to life|date=30 September 2014|work=Transform magazine}}

As Azerbaijan as a state sponsored Spanish football club Atlético Madrid at that time, this European Games was advertised on the club's kits during the later half of their 2014–15 season.

On 21 May 2014, Procter & Gamble became the first official partner of the inaugural European Games.{{cite web|title=Baku 2015 unveil Procter & Gamble as first sponsor for European Games|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/major-games/european-games/baku-2015/1020191-baku-2015-unveil-procter-gamble-as-first-sponsor-for-european-games|website=www.insidethegames.biz|access-date=10 November 2014}}{{cite web|last1=Jafarova|first1=Aynur|title=BP becomes Baku 2015 European Games official partner|url=http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/67973.html|website=www.azernews.az|date=12 June 2014 |access-date=25 June 2014}} Swiss watchmaker Tissot has been named the official timekeeper and will provide all timing and scoring services.{{cite web|last1=Mackay|first1=Duncan|title=New partner for Baku 2015 as Tissot named official timekeeper|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/major-games/european-games/baku-2015/1020664-new-partner-for-baku-2015-as-tissot-named-official-timekeeper|website=www.insidethegames.biz|date=11 June 2014 |access-date=25 June 2014}} On 13 November 2014, Motorola Solutions also teamed up with Baku 2015 as the Official Radio Communications Supporter.{{cite web|title=Baku 2015 European Games signs Motorola Solutions as Official Supporter|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/baku-2015-european-games-signs-motorola-solutions-as-official-supporter-2014-11-12-161594022|website=www.marketwatch.com|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-date=2015-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325000920/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/baku-2015-european-games-signs-motorola-solutions-as-official-supporter-2014-11-12-161594022|url-status=dead}}

On Sunday 26 April the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, captured the official flame of the Baku 2015 European Games.{{cite news|url=http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/president-aliyev-captures-baku-2015-european-games-flame-ancient-temple-ateshgah.html#gallery-1|title=President Aliyev Captures Baku 2015 European Games Flame at Ancient Temple, Ateshgah|work=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518051059/http://www.baku2015.com/press-release/article/president-aliyev-captures-baku-2015-european-games-flame-ancient-temple-ateshgah.html#gallery-1|archive-date=2015-05-18|url-status=usurped}} The flame had visited 60 locations until the final torchbearer entered the National Stadium for the Opening Ceremony on 12 June.{{cite news|url=http://www.baku2015.com/Document/Documents/Documents/03/50/71/Baku2015EuropeanGamesJourneyoftheFlame_English.pdf|title=Baku 2015 Media Guide|work=Baku 2015|access-date=2015-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614034531/http://www.baku2015.com/Document/Documents/Documents/03/50/71/Baku2015EuropeanGamesJourneyoftheFlame_English.pdf|archive-date=2015-06-14|url-status=usurped}}

{{Location map+|Azerbaijan

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{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=3|lat_deg=38.753611|lon_deg=48.851111}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=4|lat_deg=38.775278|lon_deg=48.415278}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=5|lat_deg=38.456111|lon_deg=48.878611}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=6|lat_deg=38.920556|lon_deg=48.237222}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=7|lat_deg=39.208889|lon_deg=48.497222}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=8|lat_deg=39.458333|lon_deg=48.545}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=9|lat_deg=39.034167|lon_deg=48.665556}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=10|lat_deg=39.595|lon_deg=48.979167}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=11|lat_deg=39.358611|lon_deg=49.246944}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=12|lat_deg=39.931944|lon_deg=48.920278}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=13|lat_deg=40.043333|lon_deg=48.935556}}

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{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=20|lat_deg=40.052778|lon_deg=47.461389}}

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{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=25|lat_deg=40.374444|lon_deg=47.126667}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=26|lat_deg=40.610278|lon_deg=46.789722}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=27|lat_deg=40.506667|lon_deg=46.825}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=28|lat_deg=40.586944|lon_deg=46.315833}}

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{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=30|lat_deg=40.494722|lon_deg=46.077222}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=31|lat_deg=40.765833|lon_deg=46.408889}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=32|lat_deg=41.093333|lon_deg=45.366111}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=33|lat_deg=41.118889|lon_deg=45.453889}}

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{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=35|lat_deg=40.565556|lon_deg=45.816111}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=36|lat_deg=40.829722|lon_deg=46.018889}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=37|lat_deg=40.518333|lon_deg=47.654167}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=38|lat_deg=40.653056|lon_deg=47.740556}}

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{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=42|lat_deg=41.633611|lon_deg=46.643333}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=43|lat_deg=41.4225|lon_deg=46.924167}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=44|lat_deg=41.070833|lon_deg=47.458333}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=45|lat_deg=41.191944|lon_deg=47.170556}}

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{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=50|lat_deg=40.536667|lon_deg=48.932778}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=51|lat_deg=40.630278|lon_deg=48.641389}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=52|lat_deg=40.589722|lon_deg=49.668611}}

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{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=61|lat_deg=40.395278|lon_deg=49.882222}}

{{Location map~|Azerbaijan|label=62|lat_deg=40.429766|lon_deg=49.91979|mark=Green pog.svg}}

}}

{{Colbegin|colwidth=14em}}

• 26 April (day 1)
• :Ateshgah
• 27 April (day 2)
• :Nakhchivan
• 29 April (day 3)
• :Lankaran
• 1 May (day 4)
• :Lerik
• :Astara
• 2 May (day 5)
• :Yardimli
• :Jalilabad
• 3 May (day 6)
• :Bilesuvar
• :Masalli
• 4 May (day 7)
• :Salyan
• :Neftchala
• 5 May (day 8)
• :Shirvan
• :Hajigabul
• 6 May (day 9)
• :Saatli
• :Sabirabad
• 7 May (day 10)
• :Imishli
• :Horadiz
• 9 May (day 11)
• :Beylagan
• :Gunesli
• 10 May (day 12)
• :Agjabedi
• :Khojavend
• 12 May (day 13)
• :Zardab
• :Terter
• 13 May (day 14)
• :Yevlakh
• :Barda
• 14 May (day 15)
• :Goranboy
• :Naftalan
• 15 May (day 16)
• :Goygol
• :Ganja
• 16 May (day 17)
• :Dashkasan
• :Samukh
• 18 May (day 18)
• :Gazakh
• :Agstafa
• 19 May (day 19)
• :Tovuz
• :Gadabay
• 20 May (day 20)
• :Shamkir
• 21 May (day 21)
• :Ujar
• :Goychay
• 22 May (day 22)
• :Agdash
• :Mingachevir
• 23 May (day 23)
• :Balaken
• :Zagatala
• 24 May (day 24)
• :Gakh
• 25 May (day 25)
• :Oghuz
• :Sheki
• 26 May (day 26)
• :Ismayilli
• :Gabala
• 27 May (day 27)
• :Kurdemir
• 29 May (day 28)
• :Aghsu
• 30 May (day 29)
• :Gobustan
• :Shamakhi
• 31 May (day 30)
• :Sumgayit
• :Khizi
• 1 June (day 31)
• :Gusar
• :Guba
• 3 June (day 32)
• :Khachmaz
• 4 June (day 33)
• :Shabran
• 5 June (day 34)
• :Siyazan
• :Khirdalan
• 6 June (day 35)
• :Gobustan National Park
• 7-11 June (days 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40)
• :Baku
• 12 June (day 41)
• :Baku National Stadium

{{colend}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite journal |last1=Rojo-Labaien |first1=Ekain |title=The Baku 2015 European Games as a national milestone of post-Soviet Azerbaijan |journal=Nationalities Papers |date=2018 |volume=46 |issue=6 |pages=1101–1117 |doi=10.1080/00905992.2018.1488826}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}

{{European Games}}

{{Events at the 2015 European Games}}

{{Nations at the 2015 European Games}}

{{European championships}}

2015

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Category:International sports competitions hosted by Azerbaijan

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