Normally, the European championships should have taken place in Budapest from 23 August to 5 September 2021. However, it was decided to cancel some disciplines because of the postponement of the Olympic Games. The FEI felt it was impossible to have two major championships take place in such a short period of time.
However, various national federations and chef d'équipes did not agree with this decision and asked for the championship to take place on a different date and possibly at a different location. The FEI then instructed the EEF to develop a realistic proposal after all.