IOC/NOC Expert Group Meeting in Milan: Key Progress for the Preparation of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milan Cortina 2026
From September 2 to 4, the IOC/NOC Expert Group met in Milan to address outstanding issues in the preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milan Cortina 2026. The timing of this meeting was chosen ahead of the upcoming IOC Coordination Commission (CoCom) meeting, in order to present critical items and highlight the concerns of the NOCs regarding their preparations and participation in the Games.
Over the two days of discussions with various functional areas, the topics covered were:
- Transportation and mobility logistics,
- Accreditations and VAPPS,
- Housekeeping and general services,
- Visits to the Olympic Villages,
- Medical services,
- Information on ceremonies,
- Arrivals and departures of delegations.
These advancements will be reported to the CoCom. Furthermore, the Organizing Committee (OCOG) has committed to informing NOCs by the end of September about the decisions taken, in order to support their planning and preparations for the Games and their athletes. Ahead of the meeting, ANOC ran a survey among the NOCs, who were able to raise their main concerns and challenges on their preparation for the Games.
The meeting was chaired by the IOC NOC Relations team and brought together representatives from several NOCs, including Italy, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, the United States, and ANOC.
In addition, ANOC conducted a survey among the NOCs to identify the most urgent topics requiring swift resolution. As part of the ANOC-NOC Voice program, the results of this survey have been shared with the NOC representatives at the CoCom, as well as with the IOC/NOC Services, strengthening dialogue and coordination between all stakeholders.
This meeting marked an important step in the preparation process for the 2026 Games. It highlights the joint commitment of the IOC, the OCOG, the NOCs, and ANOC to work closely together to anticipate and resolve major challenges, for the benefit of the athletes and the entire Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
