In a move to strengthen its cooperation with EU institutions, protect the important role of International Federations (IFs) and fully tap into the potential of sport, the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) has become a partner of the EOC EU Office.
ASOIF serves and represents the Summer Olympic IFs in the most competent, articulate and professional manner on issues of common interest in the Summer Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement, and on any other matter deemed necessary by the IFs.
The partnership agreement was signed on 28 January 2020 in Lausanne, Switzerland, by ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti and EOC President Janez Kocijančič.
“International Federations play a unique role in the development and organisation of sport, not only at global, but also at European level. At the same time they are directly affected by a wide range of EU legislation, for instance the competition and internal market policies,” said Francesco Ricci Bitti during the meeting. He added: “With a newly composed European Parliament and European Commission in place, this is an opportune moment for us to further strengthen our dialogue with EU decision-makers and benefit from the unique expertise of the EOC’s team in Brussels.”
“We are very happy with this new partnership”, noted EOC President, Janez Kocijančič, on this occasion. “The Olympic Movement and organised sport must speak with one voice towards the European institutions. The future cooperation with ASOIF in Brussels should be regarded as an important step in this direction. I am sure all partners will benefit from this agreement!”
ASOIF is a known player to the EU institutions and has already participated in a number of high-level EU meetings. For instance, at last year’s EU Sport Forum, ASOIF President presented key findings from the Report on the Future of Global Sport. ASOIF’s comprehensive work to promote and ensure a culture of good governance among its member federations has also been widely recognised at European and international level.
The EOC EU Office is the representative of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in Brussels, Belgium, and represents the interests of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other major sport organisations at national, European and international level. For the EOC EU Office, ASOIF is the 29th partner organisation overall. The full list of the EOC EU Office’s partner network can be found on the website.