Following today’s conference call between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the world’s National Olympic Committees, the European Olympic Committees (EOC) would like to reiterate its support and endorsement for the communique put forth by the IOC Executive Board and the principles included therein.

In this time of unprecedented disruption to our daily lives caused by the outbreak of COVID-19, our first priority is to ensure the safety of those around us, in particular our families, communities and wider public. We are living through an unpredictable crisis and as such, it is important that we have one policy, expressed by the IOC, and we follow that policy in unison.

It has to be underlined that the current status of European sport is on hold and this affects all of us and must be considered when decisions are taken. We will continue to provide support to the NOCs of Europe and all their athletes.

Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic and, hopefully, we will return even stronger.