Hansen told insidethegames that he now plans to meet the President of the European Olympic Committees, Patrick Hickey, in Baku during this summer’s inaugural European Games to discuss the role athletics could have in future runnings of this new event.

The 68-year-old Norwegian foresees meeting Hickey during the first week of the European Games, to which he will travel after attending the European Athletics Council meeting in Oslo from June  12 until 14.

“Pat sent me a very, very nice letter after I was elected and I’m trying to find when we can meet to discuss matters,” Hansen said.

“If not before, I hope to speak to him when I visit the European Games in Baku.

"So it will most probably be June 15 or 16 - but if we can meet before then that will be great.”

While athletics will be represented at this inaugural area multi-sports event, it will only be the Third League of the European Team Championships, including host country Azerbaijan. 

Shortly before he left office, Wirz told insidethegames that he could not confirm athletics would figure in future European Games. This summer’s Games in Azerbaijan will feature the Third League of the European Team Championships, which will involve home athletes.

Before the election, Hansen made his feelings on this subject fairly clear, commenting that it was “not fair” for athletics to be showing the Third League of one of their events while other sports were demonstrating themselves at the top level.

“I don’t think it is the proper value for athletics,” he said.

“If it’s going to be included in the European Games it should be of a stronger standard.”

Hansen added  that his comments to insidethegames about wanting to work out a suitable high profile presence for his sport at the European Games had received a very positive response within European Athletics circles.

“The reactions I got were fantastic,” he says.

“All but one of the comments I got from Council members and people involved with European Athletics were favourable.

“We are not talking about the European Championships being a part of the European Games – they would have to pay for that! – but we can have something that is the proper value for athletics.”

Asked if that might be the European Team Championships, Hansen – whose election manifesto, Leading Change, suggested this successor to the European Cup needed to be “re-structured”, replied: “Maybe.

"Or maybe something else. I have some plans that I want to discuss first.”

For the full exclusive interview with the new European Athletics President, click here.