New restrictions on Russia and Belarus' participation in international sports are being discussed at EU level

RIGA - At the European Union (EU) level, new restrictions on Russia’s and Belarus’s participation in international sports, as well as on funding flows in sports, are being discussed, according to information provided by the office of Minister of Education and Science Ilze Indriksone (National Alliance).

In July, Latvia announced that it would join Estonia’s initiative to call on the European Commission (EC) not to fund the International Olympic Committee and sports-related programs in connection with the lifting of restrictions on Russian athletes. As the minister’s office informed LETA, EU Commissioner Glenn Micallef expressed support for the initiative and the need to show solidarity with Ukraine in his response letter.

The politician’s adviser, Daiga Reihmane, explained that support for Ukraine was also discussed at the EU summit. The European Council’s June conclusions state that Russia’s participation in international sports and cultural events must not be normalized until a just and lasting peace is achieved in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the EU Political and Security Committee is holding discussions on further restrictions and sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The discussions also cover the participation of athletes from these countries in competitions, the use of national symbols, and the flow of funds, in order to prevent funds from falling, directly or indirectly, into the hands of the aggressor states.

Possible further restrictions are scheduled to be discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in October.