At the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting on 12 October, Foreign Affairs Ministers and Commissioner for Culture, Youth, Education and Sport Glenn Micallef discussed preventing the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international sports competitions. Statements by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Micallef emphasised that sports and culture must not be used as propaganda vehicles for Russia’s war against Ukraine, and for this reason the Council and Commission will seek joint measures to sustain Russia’s isolation in global sport. During the FAC meeting, the ministers discussed preventing Russian and Belarusian athletes from returning to international sport competitions under their national flags. Additionally, the ministers discussed visa restrictions for diplomats and tourists, with Finland's Foreign Minister calling for restrictions to include athletes with governmental ties.