Participation of Russian and Belarusian Athletes in 2026 European Aquatics Events

European Aquatics wishes to inform its Member Federations about the participation of athletes holding Russian or Belarusian passports in European Aquatics competitions. These procedures conform to guidance indicated in the following documents: i) a letter from the IOC Sports Director dated 19 December 2025 (document attached) and ii) World Aquatics Guidelines for Athlete Participation in Aquatics Events During Periods of Conflict (in force as of 1 February 2026) https://aquaticsintegrity.com/rules-and-regulations/

Youth and Junior Events

Athletes holding a Russian or Belarusian passport competing in Youth and Junior categories will no longer be subject to restrictions regarding participation in European Aquatics competitions, in both individual and team events. Accordingly, for all non- Senior events, athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports will be permitted to participate without background checks and in full compliance with European Aquatics protocols relating to flags, anthems, uniforms, and associated elements, provided that the relevant national sports organisations are in good standing with European Aquatics.

Senior Events

For European Aquatics Senior events, subject to the applicable World Aquatics guidelines referred to above, athletes and their support personnel may participate in European Aquatics events upon application for and approval of “Neutral Athlete” status, in both individual and team events. The procedure to be followed will mirror the process applied during the 2025 European Aquatics Junior events for the relevant Junior athletes, which is attached to this letter for your reference.

For avoidance of doubt, support personnel in all youth, junior and senior events, will follow the same process applied during the 2025 European Aquatics Junior events.

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