The European Olympic Committees (EOC) fully supports today’s joint decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Japanese authorities to postpone the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021.

The decision was made in the best interests of the athletes, their entourages, the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the entire Olympic Movement. With this decision, the IOC has proven that it is responsible and competent to face such troubled circumstances.

We are confident that the IOC will offer all the support needed to protect the NOCs from any financial consequences with regard to accommodation, training camps, ticketing, etc., while ensuring that the athletes have the best possible conditions to prepare for the Games in 2021.

The solidarity of the Olympic Movement will be strengthened by this decision and allows us all to focus on dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the best possible way.

What is important now is that the world comes together to get over this crisis. As President Bach stated, “We wish that the Olympic flame will be a light at the end of this tunnel”, therefore, we will make every possible effort to overcome this challenge united.