“Olympic Truce”: One of the most important messages of the Greeks during the Ancient Olympic Games. Wars ceased from seven days before the start of the Games until the seventh day after their end, so that the athletes, free from military obligations, could participate.
Of course, we cannot talk about a ceasefire during the 2024 Olympic Games. Unfortunately, neither in Ukraine nor in Gaza. But at least the Games should unite the warring parties – if only for a while. May the Olympic Spirit also “give peace a chance” – as was written on the scarf that Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, wore on his head when inaugurating the “peace wall” in the Olympic Village.
After all, there is much talk about the power of sport, which can unite and reconcile even enemies. And yet! And these Games “divided rather than united”. For example: why didn’t Russian athletes participate under their own flag in the spectacular ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games yesterday? Apparently because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Precisely for this reason, the 31 athletes (15 Russians, 16 Belarusians) will be able to participate in the Olympic Games, but they were banned from parading on the Seine. In the previous Tokyo Olympics, Russian athletes were also banned as an entity and many also did not participate, because WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) had banned Russia for several illegal doping practices that were against sporting ethics.
The IOC’s decision was very clear: “They will not participate in the parade of delegations and teams at the opening ceremony because they are individual athletes.” About 18 Russian and Belarusian athletes, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, even changed their nationality to participate in the parade under another flag.
Of course, criticism came from all over the world. Some argue that since the Refugee Olympic Team performed well and therefore had no “flag”, the Russians and Belarusians deserved at least some consideration on the “first Olympic day”. After all, they are not to blame for Putin’s policies.
Simply put: although it has been repeatedly emphasized how sport should unite and not ignite political issues, in this historical period it seems impossible without it. After all, confrontation also dominates international relations, crowding out diplomacy. But the rejection of diplomacy is leading Europe down a downward path of militarism, economic decline and political chaos.
We may disagree with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán about his policy of suppressing the rule of law, but why was it wrong that – as EU president this semester – he went to Kiev, Moscow and Beijing to negotiate a ceasefire agreement? Did he anger EU leaders as well as governments in Berlin, Paris and other capitals?
There is certainly much to be said against the Hungarian prime minister and Trump friend. But accusing him of a diplomatic initiative that other member states have so far been unwilling or unable to take shows how far the EU has fallen short of its leaders’ claim to be a force for peace. Indeed, the fact that key EU rules, such as the six-month rotation of the Council presidency, are being reviewed at the highest level in order to punish Orbán for his travels is a worrying sign for the future of the Union.
According to the EU, Ukraine should naturally retake all territories occupied by Russia. But realistically speaking, could the EU also be completely destroyed by a possible escalation of the war in Ukraine?
Unfortunately, not only does it do nothing to avert this danger and stop the bloodshed, it also undermines any diplomatic efforts.
When even Zelensky says that Russia should be included in an international peace conference next time. The attitude of the European elite is evidence of a highly dangerous mixture of escapism and unbridled militarism, reminiscent of the era of sleepwalking before the outbreak of the First World War. When all sensible people shout that only negotiations offer a way out.