Ukraine reported on the progress of the National Platform for Integrity in Sport to the Council of Europe
On December 3-5, 2025, Ukraine took part in regular meetings of the Council of Europe bodies on combating manipulation of sports competitions – the Group of Copenhagen (GoC) and the Bureau of the Follow-up Committee (T-MC), which were held in a hybrid format. The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine was represented by Natalia Radchuk, Head of the Department of International Cooperation and European Integration, Coordinator of the National Platform of Sports Integrity.
During the Group of Copenhagen meeting, the Ukrainian team joined the discussion on key areas of international cooperation in the field of combating manipulation of sports competitions. In particular, they discussed the further development of the Group of Copenhagen network, which currently brings together more than 40 national platforms, the strengthening of analytical and monitoring tools, the use of artificial intelligence to detect anomalies and manipulation, and countering interference in the technical means of competitions. Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation with licensed betting operators: participants reviewed the activities of specialized working groups dealing with sports betting and improving the exchange of information between national platforms, regulators, and the betting market.
In the section devoted to progress at the national level, Ukraine presented updated information on the activities of the National Platform of Sports Integrity. Information was provided on legislative initiatives in the field of combating match-fixing, the development of a national information system and digital solutions, the current status of processing reports of suspicious matches and other incidents, as well as on strengthening cooperation with sports federations and law enforcement agencies. Particular emphasis was placed on scaling up programmes to raise awareness among athletes, coaches, officials and sports organisations about integrity standards and the risks associated with match-fixing.
At the meeting of the Bureau of the Follow-up Committee, participants focused on practical steps to improve the effectiveness of information exchange between competent authorities, harmonize approaches to personal data protection, and combat illegal betting and money laundering schemes through sports betting. Updated recommendations on the development of a typology of betting operators were presented, as well as the results of national self-assessments of the implementation of the provisions of the Macolin Convention in the participating states.
As part of the exchange of experience, the Ukrainian side reported on progress in improving mechanisms for responding to suspicious activity during betting, emphasizing the importance of rapid international cooperation, transparent data exchange procedures, and coordinated action by all stakeholders—from government agencies and national platforms to betting operators and the sports movement.
Ukraine's participation in the Group of Copenhagen and the Macolin Convention Committee confirms its active role in strengthening the European system of sports integrity. The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the National Platform of Sports Integrity will continue to work on expanding institutional tools to counteract competition manipulation, modernizing digital and analytical solutions, and developing educational programs aimed at ensuring honesty, transparency, and trust in sport.