The Proposal for a European Union Olympic Team: Challenges and Identity

The Concept of a European Union Olympic Team

The idea of establishing a unified EU team at the Olympic Games is a long-standing topic in European sports discussions. Advocates argue that such a “Team Europe” could potentially dominate medal counts, outpacing traditional powerhouses like the United States and China. Additionally, it could foster a stronger sense of European identity among the member states and their citizens.

However, this vision faces significant hurdles due to the regulations set forth by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Currently, the IOC prohibits the display of any flags other than those of the individual National Olympic Committees during the Olympic events. For instance, during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, a request from Slovenia’s representative to march under the European flag—due to Slovenia holding the presidency of the European Union at that time—was denied by the IOC. As Carole Gomez, a graduate assistant in sociology at the University of Lausanne, noted, “Athletes can, however, showcase the blue flag adorned with twelve stars.” This was exemplified by Italian fencer Elisa Di Francisca, who celebrated her silver medal win in Rio in 2016 by waving a European flag, an act that garnered praise from prominent figures like Federica Mogherini, the head of European diplomacy, and Martin Schulz, the President of the European Parliament.

Former President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, had previously encouraged athletes from member states to display the EU flag, but this call went largely unheeded.

Sport as a Catalyst for Identity

Sport plays a crucial role in shaping national identities by showcasing a country’s flag, anthem, and spirit, thereby generating enthusiasm and pride. Nevertheless, as Carole Gomez points out, “the official history of the European Union’s involvement in sports is relatively recent.” Since the implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009, there has been a formal acknowledgment of sports as an area of interest, leading to increased focus and initiatives.

Over the past decade, the European Union has actively pursued sports diplomacy, often centered around organizing competitions among various nations and promoting sports through programs like Erasmus +. Despite this progress, Gomez argues that forming a joint European team may not align with the interests of the 27 member states. “Creating a European team would necessitate selections and disqualifications among top athletes from various nations. Consequently, rather than celebrating a Greek, a Spaniard, and a Slovenian on the podium, we would see only one representative for the entire European Union,” she explains.

Instead, she advocates for an approach that emphasizes the collective achievement of EU member states by tallying the total number of medals earned by athletes from the EU and exploring alternative methods to strengthen a shared European identity.

In a notable development regarding national representation, French President Emmanuel Macron requested that during the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, the French flag be displayed alongside the European flag as the host nation. The IOC accepted this request, allowing both flags to be showcased in the Olympic Village and at competition venues. Gomez highlights that “this dual flag display is a promising step towards fostering a shared identity,” emphasizing its potential significance.

The Summer Olympics 2024 are set to commence in Paris in July and run until August 11th, presenting an opportunity to explore these themes further.