The IBU Executive Board met in Salzburg on 8-9 July to discuss a number of key reports and strategic updates following a dedicated workshop on Target 2030 and its ongoing implementation.

During the Target 2030 workshop, members received status updates across the strategic framework’s five distinct targets, discussed progress on the strategic priorities and agreed future implementation.

The workshop was held ahead of the EB meeting and underpinned discussions and reports that followed from each of the IBU’s departments.

The EB confirmed the IBU Technical Committee decisions, notably the competition schedules for the IBU and Junior Cup 2026/2027, and Event and Competition Rule changes, including clarification around the removal and shouldering of the rifle to enhance safety.

The EB decided that an IBU Youth Festival will be held from 2028 as a new stand-alone event with the date, location and format to be communicated in due course. The Youth Festival will aim to engage more young athletes in biathlon and is fully aligned with the Target 2030 overall objective of increasing the number of athletes with a focus on youth.

The EB also confirmed that the National Federation of Iceland will be recommended for consideration as a full member by the IBU Congress. The IBU and its EB are now preparing for the elective IBU Congress in September in Berchtesgaden (GER), with the EB next meeting virtually in August and on site in September ahead of the Congress.