Budapest Braces For Action As Longines EEF Series Semi-Final Draws 12 Nations Into The Arena

Europe's elite Nations Cup talent converges on Hungarian capital for decisive qualification showdown.

The 2025 Longines EEF Series reaches its second critical knockout phase, as twelve nations prepare to compete at the spectacular venue in Budapest, Hungary on Friday 27 June. With only ten places available in the Final at Avenches, Switzerland, this decisive semi-final will determine the final five nations to complete the elite championship field in September.

The Budapest Semi-Final brings together the highest ranked teams from Region South and Region Central, who have secured their spots through outstanding results in the challenging regional qualifying rounds.

From Region South, Italy leads the charge as the standout performers with a commanding total of 190 points, demonstrating the form that has made them three-time winners in the last four Finals. The reigning champions secured their dominant position with strong performances across both Gorla Minore and Thessaloniki. Turkey follows as a formidable contender with 180 points, having delivered a successful result in Gorla Minore before maintaining their momentum in Greece. Romania rounds out with 140 points, highlighting the fierce competition that has marked this regional battle.

From Region Central, Switzerland enters Budapest as the top-ranked team with an impressive 190 points total, matching Italy's commanding lead following their exceptional victory in Bratislava (SVK) where they delivered a perfect, faultless performance without touching a single pole all day. The Swiss sealed their qualification in style with a jump-off victory over Hungary, demonstrating the form that makes them serious contenders for the Final. Hungary, who finished with 170 points, have the invaluable advantage of the home crowd support as they compete on home soil, seeking to capitalise on their strong qualifying performances. Germany, with 155 points, and the Netherlands, with 150 points, complete the Central European contingent. The Netherlands will be particularly motivated to defend their title, having triumphed at this semi-final in Budapest last year to secure their place in the Finals.

The Czech Republic steps up as a replacement, following Bulgaria's withdrawal from the competition. Despite finishing with 105 points in the regional standings, the Czech team now has the opportunity to prove themselves on the sport's biggest development stage, adding an element of unpredictability to an already compelling competition. Austria, with 120 points, and Slovakia, with 115 points, complete the ten-team field from these two regions.

Brazil and Qatar join as invited participants, bringing the total to twelve nations. Though these teams cannot advance to the Final, their involvement intensifies the competition and brings a global dimension to this distinguished European event, ensuring Budapest will showcase outstanding Nations Cup performers from diverse backgrounds.

The semi-final will follow the established Longines EEF Series Nations Cup format of two rounds over identical courses with teams of four riders, where the three best scores in each round contribute to the team total. In the event of a tie, a jump-off between one rider from each tied team will determine final placements. The leading five teams from Budapest will secure their places alongside the five qualified nations from Deauville at the Longines EEF Series Final in Avenches from 4-7 September.

Now in its fifth year, the Longines EEF Series continues to provide the premier pathway for European Nations Cup development, bridging the gap between emerging talent and elite international competition. The unique tiered structure, featuring CSIO3* qualifiers and semi-finals culminating in a CSIO4* Final, has proven its worth in developing the sport's next generation, with teams consistently progressing to international success.

The first semi-final in Deauville kicks off at 12:30pm this Friday 20 June, where twelve nations will compete for the initial five places in the Avenches Final. The French coastal venue will see Great Britain, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and France from Region West face Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Poland from Region North, with guest nations Brazil and Mexico.

With two spectacular venues, maximum pressure stakes, and Europe's most promising Nations Cup talent on display, the semi-final phase promises to be the most compelling chapter yet in the Longines EEF Series 2025 season.

Where to Watch and Follow
All competitions in this year's series can be watched live on ClipMyHorse.TV, the official livestream partner of the Longines EEF Series.

For the latest updates, team announcements, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the 2025 Longines EEF Series, follow the Longines EEF Series website and the European Equestrian Federation. Join the conversation on the Longines EEF Series social media on Instagram and Facebook.

Download the Longines EEF Series press kit here

Check out Longines Timing for further information on competing teams, athlete & horse combinations, start lists, start times and results.