The Irishman was replaced by Kocijančic as head of the EOC after he was arrested by police during a dawn raid during the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 17.

He was charged with various ticketing offences, reportedly including criminal organisation, ticket touting, ambush marketing, money laundering and tax evasion.

The 71-year-old vowed to do "everything possible" to clear his name after being allowed to return home on bail last month in order to receive medical treatment.

Hickey was able to return home to Dublin after a court bond of €410,000 ($440,000/£352,000) was paid in a loan by the Association of National Olympic Committees.

"At the end of 2016 the dominant feeling was one of relief that our friend Patrick Hickey had returned home and had been reunited with his family in Ireland," Kocijančic wrote in a New Year message.

"Now he can receive the important medical attention he requires.

"Patrick is enjoying being amongst his family and friends once more and any decision about what’s next for him within the Olympic Movement is up to him and depends on the development of his legal case."

The Slovenian also claimed "there are many reasons to feel optimistic about the year ahead in 2017" for the EOC.

"As an organisation, the EOC took some important steps forward in 2016," he said.

"We secured the future of the European Games by awarding the hosting rights to Minsk and we can now look forward to, and prepare for, the second edition in 2019. 

"It’s no secret that Minsk 2019 will look quite different to Baku 2015. In line with Olympic Agenda 2020, the European Games concept can be adapted to suit the infrastructure and conditions of the host country and city. 

"This is the European Games blueprint. 

"We want our Games to be flexible enough to align with the host nation’s wider sports strategy. 

"This guarantees that each edition is a sustainable event for the host whilst ensuring the event’s own distinct identity."

Another "important step", he claimed, was a "basic agreement between the EOC and the European Athletic Association about a high-level presence for athletics at Minsk 2019".

He also praised the new EOC logo approved in 2016 before looking ahead to the European Youth Olympic Festival due to take place from February 11 to 18 in Erzurum in Turkey.

Concerns surround the safety of the event, however, after at least 39 people were killed during an attack on a nightclub in Istanbul last night - heightening security fears across Turkey.

Security concerns were not mentioned in Kocijančic's message.

"For many of the athletes competing it will be the first time they have participated in a multi-sport event under the Olympic banner." Kocijančic said.

"Erzurum 2017 will provide them with an opportunity to test themselves against some of the best young athletes in Europe.

"But just as importantly they will experience - many for the first time - the special feeling of competing at a sports event conducted in the Olympic spirit."