Opening Speech – VINOEURO 2026

Robert Lönarz, President of the UENFW:

Cari amici, dear friends of wine, football, and Europe,

today is a special day.

After many months of preparation, we are finally gathered here together in the beautiful region of Tuscany. People from ten nations, united by two passions that are deeply rooted in European culture: wine and football.

On behalf of the UENFW – the Union of European National Football Teams of Winemakers – I warmly welcome all of you to VINOEURO 2026 Italy.

When the idea of bringing winegrowers and winemakers from different countries together on the football field was first born about than twenty years ago, it was never only about goals, rankings, or trophies.

It was about something greater.

It was about friendship instead of rivalry.About encounters instead of division.About respect instead of prejudice.

And that is exactly what makes VINOEURO such a unique European project today.

My sincere thanks go to the local organizers of 11 del Vino, who have made this event possible through their dedication, passion, and countless hours of voluntary work.

What we will experience during the coming days is the result of tremendous efforts by many people working behind the scenes. People who may never step onto the pitch, but without whom this tournament would never have become reality.

Please join me in giving them a warm round of applause.

I would also like to thank the representatives of the Tuscany region, the municipalities, institutions, sponsors, and partners.

You all demonstrate that Tuscany is not only one of Europe’s great wine regions, but also a place of hospitality, culture, and international friendship.

A special word of thanks goes to the leaders of the UENFW, the presidents of our national associations, our Secretaries General, and the many volunteers who sustain and strengthen this European network.

The UENFW is much more than a sports organization.

It is the common platform of ten European nations.

It ensures that a beautiful idea becomes a reliable and lasting European community.

Through shared statutes, transparent rules, and mutual commitments, we create the foundation that allows all nations to cooperate as equals.

At a time when many forces seem to divide Europe, we choose to send a different message.

We demonstrate that cooperation works.

We demonstrate that reliability, respect, and shared rules do not divide people—they unite them.

That is something we can all be proud of.

Today, I am particularly pleased to officially welcome the French national team into our community.

With France joining us, our family has grown to ten nations.

This is an important milestone for the future of our organization and a powerful signal for the European idea.

Welcome to the UENFW family!

Dear players, dear delegates, dear friends,

during the coming days, we will fight for every ball.

We will win, and we will lose.

We will celebrate, and sometimes we will be disappointed.

But when we return home at the end of this week, something should matter even more than any final ranking:

New friendships.

New partnerships.

New memories.

Because the true strength of our community is not built during ninety minutes on the football field.

It is built around the dinner table.

It is built through conversations about wine, family, tradition, and the future.

It is built wherever people listen to one another, learn from one another, and come to understand one another.

VINOEURO stands for the values that have made Europe strong: openness, friendship, fairness, and solidarity.

Let us make the most of these days together.

Let us live the European spirit.

Let us demonstrate that wine connects cultures and football brings people together.

And let us prove that respect, friendship, and passion can create something greater than any tournament.

Go out onto the pitches, compete fairly, represent your nations with pride, and enjoy every moment of this unique European community. May the best teams succeed, may new friendships be formed, and may the spirit of wine, football, and international understanding accompany us throughout this week.

Let us show in the coming days that Europe is more than borders and languages—it is a community of people connected by respect, passion, and friendship.

I hereby officially declare the UENFW VINOEURO 2026 open. I wish all nations fair matches, unforgettable encounters, and a wonderful week together here in Tuscany.

Viva il vino! Viva il calcio! Viva l’Europa!

Thank you very much. 🇪🇺⚽🍷

Fotos: Bernhard Herzer