So these European Championships... are they working in your countries ? (from a media point of view I mean)
In France, at least, it's a strong yes. Some sports that never get broadcasted on public channels get some well derserved air time. The championships are on TV 10 hours a day, including a good amount of time on one of the main channels. I gives us a slight olympic vibe (and not a fake copy one like the European Games). They are commonly covered by the radio, or the press.
For sports like gymnastics or rowing it's day and night whth what they're used to. And i'd say it even works in favor of swimming and athletics.I mean an euro title in these sports are usually small business and not frontpage worthy, and yet...
I even wonder if gymnastics or rowing ever made the front page outside of the olympics. Definitly, a media succes.