Speaking at the first ExCo meeting of 2019 in the Olympic Capital of Lausanne, Bach underscored the importance of the Olympic ideals and of remaining inclusive in an increasingly divisive world.

“In these extremely fragile times of new nationalism and fragmented societies, the Olympic Movement is an anchor of stability,” Bach said. “We are the only ones who still manage to unite the world and to get everyone around the table. We do not refuse dialogue with anyone merely because they have a different opinion from us.”

EOC President Janez Kocijančič echoed Bach’s comments, saying the year ahead provided an excellent opportunity for the EOC to express the Olympic values to the world with all four of the organisation’s multi-sports events taking place in 2019: the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival in Sarajevo & East Sarajevo, the Games of the Small States of Europe in Montenegro, the European Games in Minsk and the Summer European Youth Olympic Festival in Baku.

“We have the possibility to show in real terms how we live the Olympic values and how we can extend our example further,” Kocijančič said. “When I look at my colleagues, I see the unity and inclusivity that we represent. And we will bring our social, ethical and sports values to others [at our events this year].”

The two presidents also reiterated their call to do more to protect the European (Olympic) Sports Model from the model based solely on commercial pursuits, a topic that will be discussed at length at the 40^th EOC Seminar, scheduled for 10-11 May in Tirana, Albania.

On the subject of the Faroe Islands, President Kocijančič said that while the self-governing archipelago would not be recognised by the EOC, Faroese athletes would be allowed to compete at EOC events, including the 2nd European Games in Minsk, as long as they competed in sports where there is a recognized sport federation in the territory. In all other matters, the EOC will respect the agreements between the IOC, the National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark, and the Faroe Islands.

The ExCo heard reports on the European Games Minsk 2019 from Coordination Commission Chair Spyros Capralos, Minsk European Games Organising Committee (MEGOC) CEO George Katulin, Executive Director Simon Clegg and International Sports Broadcasting (ISB) Managing Director Manolo Romero.

Romero told the ExCo that ISB has already reached agreements in more than 106 territories, many with the top broadcasters in Europe. The ultimate goal is to sign deals with over 120 rights holding broadcasters worldwide and a total estimated reach of more than 500 million potential viewers.

EOC Coordination Commission Chair Jozef Liba provided an update on the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival Sarajevo & East Sarajevo, which will take place from 10-15 February.

“Forty-five National Olympic Committees have committed to sending athletes so far, which is quite a good number,” said Liba, who added that the conditions at the mountain venues were excellent after significant snowfalls. He concluded his presentation by welcoming all ExCo members to the EYOF for what will be “a historical moment for the country.”

The ExCo also heard from CoCom Chair Djordje Visacki about the preparations for the Summer European Youth Olympic Festival in Baku from 21-27 July.

Other topics of discussion included European Union matters and the work of the EOC Commissions & Working Group.

The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for 9 May in Tirana ahead of the EOC Seminar.