Officials from the continental body paid a visit to the city, during which they held meetings with members of the Minsk 2019 Organising Committee and toured the venues.

Russian Olympic Committee official Lev Savin said the city “never fails to surprise me”.

“We have seen that the sites and the programme of the event are almost ready,” he said.

“I am sure that Minsk will host the European Games at the highest level.

“These Games may even attract more attention and show higher results than the previous ones.”

The director for Olympics and International Relations at the Polish Olympic Committee, Marzenna Koszewska, admitted she “envied” Minsk’s sporting infrastructure.

“It was very important for us to come and see all the sport venues, the Athletes’ Village and meet with specialists who are responsible for various aspects of the preparation process,” she said.

“The result of this visit will help us plan the participation of the Polish delegation in the Games.”

Some 36 delegates from 17 sporting organisations took part in the visit, including senior EOC consultant Pierce O’Callaghan.

No fewer than 51 nations will take part in this year’s European Games, the second edition of the multi-sport event.

It is expected to feature more than 4,000 athletes competing across 15 sports.