The European Parliament held a plenary debate titled “Danger of normalising relations with Russia, including its participation in major cultural and sports events,” opened by Commissioner Glenn Micallef, who firmly rejected any return to “business as usual” in international sport while Russia’s war against Ukraine continues. He stressed that sport is not neutral in this context and warned against its exploitation for political propaganda, opposing in particular the reintroduction of Russian national symbols such as flags and anthems. While allowing, at most, the existing “neutral athlete” approach, he expressed concern over recent moves by international sports bodies to readmit Russian participation and underlined the need to stand in solidarity with Ukrainian athletes.

The debate showed a broad majority of MEPs against normalisation, arguing that Russia’s return to sport or culture would legitimize its aggression, undermine European unity, and disrespect Ukrainian victims. At the same time, a minority cautioned against excluding individual athletes, calling for sport and culture to remain spaces for dialogue and warning against double standards. Overall, the dominant view in Parliament was that Russia should remain excluded from international sport until the war ends and accountability is ensured.