European Union countries are discussing measures to restrict the…
European Union countries are discussing measures to restrict the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international sports under their national flags.
Consensus
- The European Union is discussing measures to limit the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international sporting events.
- The discussions follow the International Olympic Committee's decision to temporarily suspend the ban on the Russian Olympic Committee.
- Among the proposed measures are targeted sanctions, visa restrictions, and reduced financial support for organizations allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national symbols.
- The European Commission and the EU diplomatic service have drafted informal proposals that have not yet become official.
- The EU is considering reaching out to third countries to discourage their support for the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
- There is no unified position among EU member states on the issue.
- The European Commission and the diplomatic service plan to present additional proposals before the meeting of ministers for education, sport, and culture on 20 November.
- The International Olympic Committee lifted the ban on the Russian Olympic Committee on 7 July.
Points of divergence
- Diplomats noted significant obstacles to implementing the measure restricting media income related to Russian athletes. — fontanka
- Some participants in the discussions support leaving the decision on athlete participation to sports federations, while others advocate for pressure on federations to prevent athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing. — vesti
- The International Olympic Committee recommended allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in youth competitions with their national flag and anthem in 2025. — kommersant
- Slovakia blocked a draft document on 22 September regarding the EU's conclusions on the matter. — vedomosti
Coverage (4 sources)
- Euractiv: EU plans to limit Russia's return to international sport — Фонтанка
- EU discusses how to prevent athletes from Russia and Belarus from returning to competitions — Вести
- Euractiv learned about EU plans to hinder Russia's return to international sports — Коммерсантъ
- Euractiv: EU plans to limit Russia's return to international sport — Ведомости