The European Chess Union (ECU) is an independent chess organization established in 1985 in Graz, Austria. Its official headquarters are located in Switzerland at:
Address: Rainweidstrasse 2, CH-6333, Hünenberg See, Switzerland
The ECU is dedicated exclusively to chess and related activities, promoting the game across Europe through sporting, educational, cultural, and social initiatives.
- Official Authority: ECU is the only organization authorized to organize all official European Chess Championships.
- Member Nations: Comprises 54 National Chess Federations across Europe.
- Major Events: Organizes 20+ top-tier European chess tournaments and championships annually.
- Massive Reach: Represents a community of over 8 million chess players and enthusiasts throughout Europe.
The ECU plays a vital role in the development and popularization of chess across the continent.