EU states weigh curbs on Russian and Belarusian athletes
EU member states are weighing targeted measures to restrict Russian and Belarusian athletes from returning to international competitions under their national flags, several European diplomats told news outlet Euractiv.
The proposals under consideration include targeted sanctions against figures connected to Russian and Belarusian sports, potential visa restrictions, and leveraging European Union funding. Under the financial plans, Brussels could cut support to governing bodies that permit competitors to participate under national emblems.
Broadcasting caps and third-party pressure
Officials are also examining potential caps on revenues derived from broadcasting and media rights tied to Russian competitors, though diplomats acknowledged significant practical hurdles to enforcement. Another proposal involves diplomatic outreach to third countries to discourage them from hosting or facilitating events featuring Russian and Belarusian delegations.
The discussions come amid a growing push to reintegrate Russian and Belarusian athletes under national banners—a trend that several EU governments have firmly resisted since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian and Belarusian Olympic Committees, potentially paving the way for their participation at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the IOC mandated that athletes compete as neutrals without national flags, anthems, or identifiers.
Firm diplomatic line ahead of ministerial summit
European leaders reaffirmed in June that, pending a just peace in Ukraine, “there should be no normalization of Russia’s participation in international sports and cultural events.”
The European Commission and the EU diplomatic service are expected to submit detailed proposals ahead of the upcoming ministerial meeting on education, youth, culture, and sport scheduled for November 20.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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