WADA renews memorandum of understanding with the Central European Anti-Doping Organization

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has renewed its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Central European Anti-Doping Organization (CEADO), which will allow for continued collaboration on specific anti-doping program development activities. The MOU entered into force in December 2022 and has now been extended for a further two-year period.

CEADO is a partnership of eight National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) from Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia that work together towards the common goal of harmonizing and strengthening the anti-doping system in the region.

The original MOU focused on supporting the former members of the Eastern Europe Regional Anti-Doping Organization (EERADO), which was disbanded after 13 years of good work with the member countries’ NADOs moving into a position to operate independently. This enabled WADA to redirect resources to other regions of the world where there was a greater need.

As part of the MOU, which was signed by WADA Director General Olivier Niggli and CEADO Chairman Michael Cepic, WADA and CEADO meets regularly to discuss areas of collaboration while building project plans for specific anti-doping development activities.

Mr. Niggli said: “The renewal of the memorandum of understanding between WADA and the Central European Anti-Doping Organization is another important step towards building robust anti-doping programs in Europe. The CEADO member countries have provided significant support to the former Eastern Europe Regional Anti-Doping Organization members in developing their own independent National Anti-Doping Organizations, but there is still work to be done. The focus now turns to ensuring the members are fully compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code through the implementation of Code compliant programs. I commend CEADO’s leadership for its efforts so far and I look forward to continuing our partnership for the protection of clean sport.”

Mr. Cepic said: “We look forward to continuing to work with WADA to strengthen anti-doping in Europe. The Central European Anti-Doping Organization member country National Anti-Doping Organizations are committed to supporting developing NADOs in establishing their own programs, and we look forward to building on the foundation that we have laid since the start of our partnership.”

About WADA’s NADO Program

WADA’s NADO Program aims to assist and support NADOs in their development and capacity building, as they adhere to the requirements of WADA’s Compliance Monitoring Program. Through this Program, WADA helps to strengthen NADO independence and develop collaborative relations between NADOs and stakeholders.