The Ministry Discussed Cooperation in the Field of Sports Between Georgia and the European Union

Shalva Gogoladze, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, hosted Kolom de Mersy, Attaché of the Delegation of the European Union. The main topic of discussion was the restrictions and regulations established by sports federations of EU member states, which apply to citizens of non-member states of the organization who wish to compete in various sports leagues.

The meeting was also attended by Vasil Liparteliani, Head of the Physical Education and Sports Development Department of the Ministry; Nino Samvelidze, Program Manager for Youth, Culture and Digital Society; and Giorgi Gabunia, Sports Law Specialist.

The parties reviewed in detail the restrictions in force in various countries and the exceptions that ensure the removal of barriers for athletes in the employment process. The meeting discussed the Association Agreement signed between the European Union and Georgia, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of nationality between the parties, implying that discrimination on the grounds of nationality against Georgian citizens legally employed in EU countries is inadmissible.

Shalva Gogoladze also discussed with the guests the Georgia-EU Association Agreement in relation to the Kolpak ruling and the Cotonou Agreement, which operate as exceptions for sports federations of EU countries.

With the aim of advocating the issue and raising awareness regarding it, the parties agreed on cooperation and planned future activities.