On Tuesday, the European Union Sports Ministers unanimously appointed Yannis Vroutsis, Deputy Minister of Sport of Greece, as the EU Member States’ representative on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Board for the period 2025-2027. This appointment, announced in Brussels, reflects international recognition of Greece’s role in the fight against doping.
Vroutsis will take up his position on 1 January 2025, with a commitment to lead EU efforts to strengthen anti-doping policies and promote clean, fair and free sport.
GREECE, A LEADER IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DOPING
Vroutsis’ appointment follows years of systematic efforts by Greece in the anti-doping field. Under the leadership of WADA President Witold Bańka, the country has excelled in the creation and exemplary management of the National Anti-Doping Organisation (EOCAN), which has become a role model for other nations.
In his statement, Vroutsis thanked his European counterparts and underlined his commitment to work in partnership with Member States to combat doping. “It is a great responsibility to represent the EU at WADA. I will do my best to strengthen our fight for a cleaner and fairer sport,” he said.
THE CAREER OF YANNIS VROUTSIS
Born in Athens on 1 July 1963, Yannis Vroutsis is an economist and politician with a distinguished career in the Greek public administration. He has been an MP for the Cyclades since 2007 and has held a number of high-level positions, including twice as Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.
He currently serves as Deputy Minister of Sport in the second government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, where he has led key initiatives to modernise Greek sport and promote the values of integrity and fair play in all sporting disciplines.
VROUTSIS’ OBJECTIVES IN THE WADA
As EU representative at WADA, Vroutsis will seek to strengthen cooperation between Member States and promote innovative policies in the fight against doping. Among his priorities are the strengthening of anti-doping education programmes and the implementation of advanced technologies for the detection of prohibited substances.
“Sport must reflect the ideals and values of integrity that were born in my country and that we have passed on to the world,” said Vroutsis, stressing the importance of preserving the essence of clean and transparent sport.
THE ROLE OF THE EU IN INTERNATIONAL SPORT
EU representation at WADA is key to ensuring a coordinated approach in the fight against doping at the global level. The election of Vroutsis reinforces Europe’s commitment to the protection of athletes and the promotion of a manipulation-free sporting environment.
The unanimous support of the 26 Member States underlines the recognition of Greek leadership in this field, as well as the confidence in Vroutsis’ ability to lead these efforts on an international stage.
GREECE: AN EXAMPLE OF GOOD PRACTICE
The success of the Greek National Anti-Doping Organisation is a reflection of the strategic management and innovative approach implemented in recent years. This model has been highlighted by WADA as an example to follow, consolidating Greece as a key player in the global anti-doping movement.
The appointment of Yannis Vroutsis is not only an honour for Greece, but also a significant step in building a cleaner and more ethical sport globally.
