Latvia urges EU to cut funding to IOC over rehabilitation of Russia and Belarus
Latvia, together with seven other European Union countries, plans to propose to the European Commission that EU funding be withdrawn from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and several international federations for rehabilitating Russia and Belarus in international sports. Meanwhile, Latvia’s own stance on state funding for its athletes’ participation in the Olympics remains unclear.
Latvia is one of eight European countries preparing to submit a proposal to the European Commission to suspend European Union funding for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and a number of international sports federations. The move is a response to what these countries see as the rehabilitation of aggressor states Russia and Belarus, allowing them to return to international sports competitions.
The proposal aims to ensure that EU funds are not directed to organizations that, in the view of these nations, undermine sports policy and international norms. The IOC has previously faced criticism for its decision to permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the Olympics under a neutral status.
Meanwhile, within Latvia, there is still no clear consensus on providing state financial support for domestic athletes wishing to participate in the Olympic Games. The issue remains unresolved and may be decided in the future based on the evolving international situation.
