EMV: The European Volleyball Confederation

The EMV, or European Volleyball Confederation, is the continental governing body for the sport of volleyball in Europe. Known globally by its French acronym CEV (Confédération Européenne de Volleyball), it is one of the five continental confederations within the FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball). The CEV organizes and oversees all major volleyball competitions at the European level, for both national teams and clubs, across indoor and beach volleyball.

Major National Team Competitions

The CEV runs the flagship European Championships for men and women, a premier event held every two years that crowns the continental champion. It also organizes qualification tournaments for the Olympic Games and FIVB World Championships, as well as a suite of age-group championships (U22, U20, U18) that are critical for youth development. For smaller nations, competitions like the European Golden League and Silver League provide valuable competitive structure.

Prestigious Club Tournaments

At the club level, the CEV administers Europe's elite annual competitions, which are among the most prestigious in the world. These include:

• CEV Champions League Volley: The pinnacle of European club volleyball.
• CEV Cup: The second-tier continental competition.
• CEV Challenge Cup: The third-tier European tournament.

Governance and Development Role

Based in Luxembourg, the CEV is responsible for the governance, promotion, and development of volleyball across its 56 member national federations. It sets competition regulations, distributes broadcasting rights, and implements development programs to grow the sport at all levels. By fostering high-level competition and supporting grassroots initiatives, the CEV ensures volleyball remains one of the most popular and dynamically evolving sports in Europe.