Italy (2019-)
From 28th September 2019 the European Draughts Confederations Headquarters has moved to Rome, at the prestigious building of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), where is also located the Office of Italian Draughts Federation.
The new EDC’s Headquarters in Largo Lauro de Bosis n. 15, ahead of the Olympic Stadium, the Marble Stadium and close to the building of Foreign Affairs.
The building, called “Palazzo H” (“Palace H”), is composed of two symmetrical two-storey buildings, connected by a large pier, drawing a “H” shape. In the external niches, framed by broken shape triangular marble, there are 4 statues of athletes. Inside the building there are the CONI Executive Board lounge and the Hall of Honor, with two huge mural paintings, by Luigi Montanarini from 1928 and four sports subjects, painted by Romano Dazzi. In the new EDC Headquarters, on 28th September 2019, took place the first Meeting of the EDC Executive Board elected in Warsaw on 03.08.2019.
Estonia (2007-2019)
From 2009 to 2019, the headquarters of the EDC were located at the Paul Keres Chess House in Tallinn, Vene Street 29. The headquarters were officially opened with a festive ceremony on April 23rd, 2009.
At the unveiling ceremony, the cover was lifted from the plaque bearing the EDC logo on the façade of the Tallinn House of Chess, which had become a center for mind sports in Tallinn and Estonia. The ceremony was attended by notable figures such as Estonian Minister of Culture Laine Jänes, Mayor of Tallinn Edgar Savisaar, Secretary-General of the Estonian Olympic Committee Toomas Tõnise, and Head of the Tallinn Youth and Sports Department Rein Ilves.
This location—Vene Street 29—has a rich history, first mentioned in Tallinn’s documents as early as 1362, although details about the building at that time are scarce. The building itself is first referenced in a document dating back to 1405.
More detailed architectural information comes from a testament dated 1727. Over the centuries, the building has had owners of various nationalities, including French and Scottish. During renovations in 1968, the building was transformed into a chess school.
The facility included rooms for classes, boards and trainers, and a separate library. Further renovations began in 1973, and in 1975, it was named the Paul Keres Chess House, officially opened on November 21st of that year.
Poland (1998-2007)
From 1998 to 2007, the headquarters of the European Draughts Confederation (EDC) were located in Szczecin, Poland. This was primarily because the first EDC President, Jacek Pawlicki, resided in Szczecin.
Szczecin is a city in northwestern Poland, situated near the Baltic Sea coast and close to the German border. It is the capital of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship and one of the largest cities in Poland. Known for its rich history and diverse architecture, Szczecin features a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and modernist buildings. Notable landmarks include the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, the Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle, and the modern Philharmonic Hall. The city’s strategic location on the Oder River and its access to the sea make it an important port and a significant cultural and economic center in the region.
