Triathlon has always been included on the programme but the Scottish city's signing of the Host City Contract provides confirmation of the sport's inclusion.

The new multi-sport event will combine the existing European Championships of aquatics, athletics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon with a new team golf competition.

Athletics will take place in Berlin with the other sports in Glasgow.

Under the agreement, around 1,200 age group triathletes will also get the opportunity to represent their nation on the same course as the elite men and women. 

The European Triathlon Championships, due to be staged at Strathclyde Country Park, are expected to attract 160 elite competitors.

"I am delighted that triathlon has been invited to be part of this new development," ETU President Renato Bertrandi said.

"Triathlon is no longer a new sport but it is one of the youngest and still growing. 

"We see whole families now attending races and the message from our sport is clear, 'triathlon is inclusive, triathlon is good, triathlon is a way of life'.

"I was unable to attend the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but many of my technical officials were there and from their first-hand accounts and from watching the coverage on TV, it is clear that not only were the Games a huge success but also that the city was one of the most welcoming. 

"The athletes enjoyed the atmosphere there and the public were fantastic.

"I am also very pleased that our sport, based upon inclusivity, has traditionally seen age group athletes racing at the same venue for Championships and 2018 will be no different with thousands of athletes, from 16 to over 80 years of age, racing the sprint distance, making the journey to Scotland and to Glasgow to be part of this great sporting celebration."

Organisers claim around 250,000 people will attend the 2018 European Championships in Glasgow.

Earlier this month, the seven European Sports Federations involved, along with the co-hosts and broadcasting partner the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), settled in Geneva on a competition schedule that will run from August 2 to August 12 with television coverage starting from August 3.

"Glasgow’s sporting reputation has never been higher having delivered some of the world’s most prestigious events in recent years," Glasgow 2018 Championships director Colin Hartley said.

"We are determined to build on that position in 2018 and deliver an outstanding European Championships.

"Triathlon will be at the very heart of the European Championships and we will do all that we can to continue the proud traditions of the sport, elevating the status of European triathletes. 

"At the same time we are looking forward to staging the Age Group Championships, giving people of all ages the chance to represent their country.

"The triathlon course at Strathclyde Country Park proved popular with athletes and spectators alike during the 2014 Commonwealth Games and by working closely with our partners at North Lanarkshire we will ensure it will be even better this time around."