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Incorporating the specific characteristics of sport and its social functions into the implementation of common policies
Incorporating the specific characteristics of sport and its social functions into the implementation of common policies
Incorporating the specific characteristics of sport and its social functions into the implementation of common policies
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Incorporating the specific characteristics of sport and its social functions into the implementation of common policies
Through this declaration the European Council hopes to promote the incorporation of sport into the common policies of the European Community in order to preserve and promote its social functions in particular. Moreover, it affirms the specific nature of sport, in application of the case-law of the Court of Justice.
ACT
Declaration of the European Council on the specific characteristics of sport and its social function in Europe, of which account should be taken in implementing common policies
SUMMARY
The role of the Community
Sporting organisations and the Member States have primary responsibility in the conduct of sporting affairs. The Community has only indirect powers in this area. Nevertheless, it is felt that the Community should take account of the social, educational and cultural functions of sport in its action under the various provisions of the Treaty, in order to preserve the social role of sport.
Guiding principle
The declaration lays down principles concerning the various aspects of sport, with a view to preserving the cohesion and ties of solidarity that exist in sport at all levels, fair competition, and the moral and material interests and physical integrity of sportsmen and women, especially minors.
The Community institutions and the Member States are invited to continue to examine their policies on the basis of these principles, if they so wish.
Sport for all
Role of sports federations
Preservation of sports training policies
Training policies for young sportsmen and sportswomen should be encouraged. Sporting federations, where appropriate in tandem with the public authorities, should take the necessary action to preserve the training capacity of clubs affiliated to them and ensure the quality of such training.
Protection of young sportsmen and sportswomen
Economic context of sport and solidarity
Transfers
As far as the system of transfers is concerned, in particular in football, the European Council strongly supports the dialogue between the sporting movement, the organisations representing professional sportsmen and sportswomen, the Community and the Member States. This dialogue concerns the development of the transfer system, especially in football, in order to take account of, among other things, the principle of freedom of movement for workers. The current system of transfers in professional football is being carefully examined by the Commission in the light of the rules on both competition and freedom of movement.
Background
The declaration was pronounced at the European Council of Nice on 7-9 December 2000 and annexed to the Presidency conclusions. It takes note of the report on sport submitted by the European Commission to the European Council in Helsinki in December 1999 with a view to safeguarding current sports structures and maintaining the social function of sport in the European Union.
RELATED ACTS
Decision No 291/2003/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 6 February 2003 establishing the European Year of Education through Sport 2004.
Last updated: 03.07.2006