On 23 July the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games officially commenced under special circumstances. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no spectators were allowed and national delegations were asked to refrain from sending large groups to attend the Opening Ceremony.

Among the few high-level guests were the French President Emmanual Macron, Polish President Andrzej Duda and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg. It is worth reminding that about 100 heads of states and governments were present at the London Olympic Games.

EU Member States were represented by the Slovenian Minister of Education, Science and Sport Simona Kustec who is currently chairing the EU Sport Council under the Slovenian Council Presidency. In a meeting of sports ministers from around the world prior to the Opening Ceremony she promoted the European Sports Model and the positive message that sport and athletes are conveying to the world in the fight against the pandemic. On behalf of the Slovenian Council Presidency she stressed the importance of making sport available and accessible to everyone.

The EOC EU Office hopes that you all enjoy watching the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games!