**Title: EU Considers Measures to Restrict Russian and Belarusian Athletes in International Sports**
The European Union (EU) is exploring potential measures to limit the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international sports competitions under their national flags. This consideration comes in light of a recent decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ease restrictions that had previously barred these athletes from competing due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to a report by Euractiv, which cites EU diplomats, the proposals are currently outlined in a non-paper drafted by the EU diplomatic service and the European Commission. These proposals have not yet been formalized into a concrete policy.
Among the measures being discussed are targeted sanctions and visa restrictions aimed at individuals associated with Russian and Belarusian sports. Additionally, the EU is contemplating leveraging its funding mechanisms by potentially withholding financial support from organizations that permit athletes from these countries to compete under their national flags.
Another avenue under consideration involves limiting media revenues that could be generated by Russian athletes, although diplomats have acknowledged that implementing such a measure may prove challenging. Furthermore, the EU may reach out to third countries to discourage them from allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national symbols.
Despite these discussions, there is notable resistance within the EU. Slovakia has reportedly blocked a draft of conclusions that were being discussed by EU security ambassadors, highlighting a division among member states regarding the extent of intervention in decisions typically made by independent sports federations.
The EU Commission and the diplomatic service are expected to refine their proposals ahead of an upcoming EU ministerial meeting focused on education, sport, and culture, scheduled for November 20.
These discussions follow the IOC's decision in July to provisionally lift restrictions on the Russian and Belarusian Olympic committees, which could pave the way for their athletes to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics under their national flags. The IOC has indicated that decisions regarding the use of flags, anthems, and other national identifiers at future Olympic Games will be made at a later date.
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes have faced significant barriers to competing in international events. However, some sports federations have begun to relax these restrictions. Recently, Russian athletes have achieved notable success in various competitions. For instance, 19-year-old Pavel Graudyn won the men’s individual saber title at the World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong, and Evgeniia Chikunova set a championship record in the women’s 200-meter breaststroke at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, competing under neutral status.
As the EU deliberates its approach, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about balancing political considerations with the autonomy of sports organizations. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the landscape of international sports and the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the coming years.