On 21 March, following a meeting of the Executive Committee (ExCo) of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) during the 2022 European Youth Olympic Festival (20-25 March) in Vuokatti, Finland, the members of the ExCo present had the opportunity of exchanging some impressions and updates with Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission, and Commissioner for ‘Promoting our European Way of Life’, regarding the future of sport in Europe.

The Vice-President took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the work of the EOC and its Athletes’ Commission to uphold and promote the European Sport Model and updated the members on the EU’s policy to support Ukrainian refugees, whilst thanking the EOC for the leading role it is playing to promote tolerance and peace.

Special reference to the President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and IOC Member Sergey Bubka, who addressed the EOC ExCo virtually from Lausanne and gave a passionate speech highlighting the resolute spirit amongst Ukrainian athletes and their strong motivation to continue competing internationally, thanking the EOC for its role in coordinating support for Ukrainian athletes competing in this week’s EYOF Vuokatti 2022.