The Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Italy This year’s Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are taking place in the European Union.From 6 to 22 February and from 6 to 15 March 2026, Italy will host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Over 3500 athletes from around the world, many of whom are Europeans, will compete in 16 Olympic disciplines and 6 Paralympic sports. Common values of unity, inclusion, and equality The EU and the Olympic Games share a common set of values: peace, community, equality, solidarity, and inclusion. Both promote a society where diversity is a strength and team spirit is a key to success.The event will symbolically bring together 27 EU countries and 450 million people. Athletes will compete for their countries, while also being part of a wider community. This also shows that people can achieve more when they are united.Both the EU and the Olympic Games aim to empower people, particularly young ones, by promoting participation, equal opportunities and the development of talent, regardless of background. Sport plays a key role in fostering inclusion and supporting individuals to reach their full potential. Supporting youth participation and sports in Europe The Games provide an opportunity to highlight EU actions and initiatives that support youth participation, education and engagement in sports. These actions help young people develop skills and confidence, and a sense of community through sport and physical activity.Through initiatives such as Erasmus+, millions of young people, including those with disabilities, have gained opportunities to study, train or acquire work experience abroad, as well as easy and affordable access to sport activities.The European Week of Sport, held every year from 23 to 30 September, further promotes physical, social, and mental benefits of sport and physical activity at national, regional, and local levels. Paralympic Winter Games The Paralympic Winter Games arethe largest global sporting event for athletes with disabilities, recognising the right of persons with disabilities to participate in accessible and inclusive sport life.The EU promotes participation, inclusion, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others. The full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in sport is a key goal of the EU’s strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities, to which the EU and its Members States are parties.
The Games provide an opportunity to highlight EU actions and initiatives that support youth participation, education and engagement in sports. These actions help young people develop skills and confidence, and a sense of community through sport and physical activity.Through initiatives such as Erasmus+, millions of young people, including those with disabilities, have gained opportunities to study, train or acquire work experience abroad, as well as easy and affordable access to sport activities.The European Week of Sport, held every year from 23 to 30 September, further promotes physical, social, and mental benefits of sport and physical activity at national, regional, and local levels.
