European Gymnastics took a critical step in the process of Russian athletes' return to the international arena. At an extraordinary general assembly held on July 28, rules were approved allowing Russian athletes to participate in European championships and other continental competitions with their own flag and national anthem.
This decision is fully in line with the International Gymnastics Federation's (World Gymnastics) decision on May 17, which allows Russian athletes to carry their national identity in international competitions. Thus, continental-level regulations have been aligned with global norms.

Degtyarev: 'Obstruction efforts remained marginal'
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev, in a statement on the matter, described the European Gymnastics decision as 'an important signal.' Degtyarev said, "The European sports community supports the full return of Russian athletes to Old Continent tournaments."
The minister stated that some circles attempted to obstruct this process, but that this was the attitude of a marginal minority. Degtyarev cited the example of a mayor in Romania who canceled a performance by the Russian gymnastics team, stressing that such isolated attempts cannot change the overall trend. With the decision taken, the way has been opened for Russian athletes to compete again in European championships with their own colors and anthem.