Environmental campaigners from Greenpeace have staged a dramatic protest in central Milan as the Olympic torch arrived in the city, intensifying pressure on Winter Games organisers to sever commercial ties with major polluters. The demonstration took place on Thursday morning outside the iconic Duomo cathedral, coinciding with the torch's arrival in the northern Italian city that is co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Visual Protest Against Fossil Fuel Sponsorship
The protest featured a striking installation depicting the Olympic rings dripping with what appeared to be black oil, creating a powerful visual metaphor for what activists describe as the contamination of the Games by fossil fuel interests. Protesters held banners bearing the clear message: "Kick polluters out of the Games," directly challenging the International Olympic Committee and local organisers.
Greenpeace has specifically targeted Italian energy giant Eni, which holds premium domestic sponsorship status for the Winter Olympics. The environmental organisation argues that Eni's extensive fossil fuel operations fundamentally contradict the sustainability goals of winter sports, which depend on cold, snowy conditions threatened by climate change.
Legal Action and Corporate Response
This protest follows Greenpeace's ongoing climate change lawsuit against Eni, adding legal pressure to their public campaign. In response to the demonstration, Eni released a statement asserting its commitment to addressing climate change, highlighting its investments in energy transition and its target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The company stated it "shares the importance of addressing climate change" and emphasised its transition strategy. However, activists maintain that sponsorship from fossil fuel companies undermines the environmental credibility of major international sporting events.
Torch Relay Reaches Climax
The Olympic flame, which began its journey across Italy in December after being ceremonially lit in Rome, reached Milan on Thursday morning as part of a nationwide tour designed to build excitement for the Games. The torch has travelled through all 110 Italian provinces, with its Milan leg expected to pass directly in front of Eni's corporate headquarters later in the day.
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Italian Olympic skiing legends Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni will have the honour of lighting the ceremonial cauldrons for the Games on Friday, marking the official commencement of the sporting festival.
Opening Ceremony Preparations
The Winter Olympics are scheduled to run from February 6 to 22, with the opening ceremony set for Friday evening. International superstar Mariah Carey is confirmed as the headline performer, with legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also expected to grace the stage for what promises to be a spectacular celebration before over two weeks of elite winter sports competition.
Greenpeace's protest highlights growing tensions between major sporting events and their commercial partnerships, particularly as climate concerns become increasingly urgent for winter sports that rely on specific environmental conditions. The demonstration in one of Milan's most prominent locations ensures maximum visibility for their message as global attention turns toward the Winter Games.
