The ceremony to announce the winner of the tender for the host of the 2012 European Championship has begun in Cardiff. UEFA Executive Committee members have already taken part in the voting and taken their seats in the hall. \nBefore the announcement of the voting results, video presentations of the countries bidding for Euro 2012 are being shown - Italy, Ukraine, and Poland and Croatia and Hungary. \n \nUEFA President Michel Platini is speaking, listing all the countries participating in the vote. Platini also mentioned Maradona, who is currently ill. \n \nPlatini opens the envelope, which states that Euro 2012 will be hosted by UKRAINE and POLAND! The entire Ukrainian and Polish delegation jumps for joy. Klitschko hugs Bubka. \n \nThe voting results have not yet been announced. FFU President Hryhoriy Surkis is speaking. Applause in the hall. Surkis and the president of the Polish football federation exchanged flags. \n\nPresident of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko expressed his joy at Ukraine's and Poland's victory in the tender for the right to host the 2012 European Championship. \n\n"I am happy that Ukraine together with Poland won in this difficult competition and were honored with the high honor of hosting the final part of the 2012 European Football Championship. I am very grateful to the UEFA Executive Committee for the decision made. All Ukrainian citizens rejoice at this wonderful event. \n\nWe address words of the highest respect to our worthy competitors, whom we honor as close and reliable partners. With sincere warmth and hospitality, we dedicate Euro 2012 to a united Europe and want this football celebration to belong to all European peoples. \n\nTogether with our Polish brothers, Ukraine warmly invites European football, our guests and friends into our home. \n\nWe confirm that our countries are ready to host the championship and will do everything possible to make its holding unforgettable and full of fair competitive play, bright emotions, friendship and amity. \n\nThe Euro 2012 final will contribute to us being better known in the world, and our capabilities will grow. I believe that there will be many more such victories for the sake of common European success. \n\nI congratulate Ukraine on this important event and hope that it will give another impetus to our unity, harmony and mutual understanding," Viktor Yushchenko's words are conveyed by the President's press service. \n \n \n