The Olympic Winter Games in Italy The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 took place in the European Union.From 6 to 22 February, Italy hosted over 2,900 athletes from around the world, including many Europeans, who competed in 16 Olympic disciplines. The EU and the Olympic Games: 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 symbolically brought together 27 EU countries and 450 million people. Athletes competed 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. The EU at the Winter Olympics The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 offered a powerful and symbolic moment on the global stage, celebrating shared European values through light, music, and storytelling. Shortly before the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron at Milan’s Arco della Pace, a dedicated EU segment unfolded as part of the ceremony’s artistic narrative. Inspired by Armonia of the Future and the Universe, the moment featured a light projection of the European stars on a blue background, accompanied by the Ode to Joy. Experienced live in Milan by over 65,000 people, relayed to San Siro Stadium, and reaching hundreds of millions of people worldwide, the ceremony reflected Europe’s commitment to unity, diversity, and a shared future.The EU presence continued at the Winter Olympics Closing ceremony. After the Athletes Parade, a short video with EU branding was presented, playing the European Anthem, accompanied by a blue light display. This moment was shown on the big screens in the Arena in Verona and broadcasted globally.A projection of the European flag during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 at the Arco della Pace in Milan, ItalyJamie Squire/Getty Images 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. Related links SportYouthMilano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics This page was last updated on 22 February 2026
The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 offered a powerful and symbolic moment on the global stage, celebrating shared European values through light, music, and storytelling. Shortly before the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron at Milan’s Arco della Pace, a dedicated EU segment unfolded as part of the ceremony’s artistic narrative. Inspired by Armonia of the Future and the Universe, the moment featured a light projection of the European stars on a blue background, accompanied by the Ode to Joy. Experienced live in Milan by over 65,000 people, relayed to San Siro Stadium, and reaching hundreds of millions of people worldwide, the ceremony reflected Europe’s commitment to unity, diversity, and a shared future.The EU presence continued at the Winter Olympics Closing ceremony. After the Athletes Parade, a short video with EU branding was presented, playing the European Anthem, accompanied by a blue light display. This moment was shown on the big screens in the Arena in Verona and broadcasted globally.A projection of the European flag during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 at the Arco della Pace in Milan, ItalyJamie Squire/Getty Images
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.
