European Pétanque Championships

European Pétanque Championships are organised by the European Pétanque Federation (Confédération Européenne de Pétanque – CEP) in collaboration with its member country federations. There are five main player groups for competitions: Youth (under 18), Up-and-coming (Espoirs, under 23), Women, Men, and Veteran (over 55). Competitors play a variety of games according to their age. The results of the Championships – excluding Veteran – determine the top 24 Nations to represent Europe at the FIPJP Pétanque World Championship.

History

 * 1990s – the idea for a new competition for Youth and Women European players is first discussed by the German and Danish Federations
 * 1998 – France, supporting the idea, invite teams for an inaugural event in Dijon, France.
 * 1999 – foundation of CEP in Strasbourg, France
 * 2000 – 1st Official European Championship for Juniors in Liège, Belgium supported by the Belgian Federation
 * 2001 – 1st European Championship for Women in Strasbourg, France.
 * 2005–2007 – discussion of the need to create an Espoirs ("up-and-coming") category for young players over 18 but not yet ready for "Open Championships",  to build up more competitive experience
 * 2008 – 1st European Championship for Espoirs in St-Jean-D'Angely, France.
 * 2009 – final but not least, 1st European Championship for Men in Nice, France.
 * 2015 – France wins 4th title in Men's Triple and remain unbeaten in this competition.
 * 2016 – new Championship Category created: Single Men & Women

Youth (Under 18)
Youth players compete in an Open Triple Game Championship in teams of four players, and individually in a Precision Shooting Championship. Youth competitions are held in even-numbered years, and the results are considered when selecting entrants to the World Championships.

Women
Women's players compete in a Triple Game Championship in teams of four players, and individually in a Precision Shooting Championship. In addition, there is a single head-to-head competition. Women's competitions are presently held in even-numbered years, and the results are taken into account when selecting entrants to the World Championships.

Espoirs (Under 23 years old)
In the Espoirs Championships, Young Men and Young Women compete separately in teams of four players in a combination of games: a Triple game, and a Double game played simultaneously with a Single game. Espoirs compete in odd-numbered years.

Men
Men's players compete in a Triple Game Championship in teams of four players, and individually in a Precision Shooting Championship. In addition, there is a single head-to-head competition. Men's competitions are held in even-numbered years, and the results are taken into account when deciding entrants to the World Championships.

Veteran (Over 55 years old)
Veterans compete in even-numbered years in a Triple Game Championship with teams of four players.