Sport's role in promoting growth, jobs, social inclusion and health

Council Resolution on the European Union Work Plan for Sport 2014-2017

ACT

Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 21 May 2014 on the European Union Work Plan for Sport (2014-2017) (2014/C 183/03) (Official Journal C 183, 14.6.2014, pp. 12-17)

SUMMARY

The resolution lays down the basis for a 3-year EU Work Plan for Sport, building on the achievements of an earlier EU Work Plan. It identifies key priorities and outputs as well as the contribution sport can make to Europe’s wider economic and social policy agenda.

WHAT DOES THE RESOLUTION DO?

It establishes three priorities for the 2014-17 period:

• protecting the integrity of sport by tackling illegal and discriminatory behaviour;
• developing its economic dimension;
• promoting the societal role of sport.

KEY POINTS

EU governments agreed to establish five expert groups. These focus on:

• 1.

  match-fixing (especially any links with betting);

• 2.

  good governance (protection of children and teenagers, awarding procedures for major sport events and gender equality);

• 3.

  sport’s economic dimension (such as sustainable financing and the legacy of major sport events to the area in which they are held, for example, modern infrastructure);

• 4.

  health-enhancing physical activity (notably in schools and in contacts with local authorities and the private sector);

• 5.

  developing human resources (through education, training, employment and volunteering).

Support is also being given to other initiatives such as studies, conferences and regular dialogue with sport stakeholders.

In addition:

• national authorities are urged to regularly inform and consult sport stakeholders on progress in implementing the work plan;
• governments that hold the rotating 6-month Presidency of the Council should include the work plan’s aims in their policy programme.

By November 2016, the Commission will provide a report on the progress made. This will be the basis for the discussion in the Council on a possible third Work Plan in the first half of 2017.

In the context of the implementation of this Work Plan, various Council documents have been adopted. These include Council conclusions, in 2015, that stress the importance of grassroots sport in developing skills, especially among young people, The text points out that sport, while above all being a physical leisure activity, also brings added-value with regard to a healthier and generally more inclusive and sustainable society. Sport can develop positive social attitudes and values, as well as individuals' skills and competences, including transversal skills such as the ability to think critically, take initiatives, problem solve and work collaboratively.

BACKGROUND

Sport is an area, according to the EU treaties, where measures taken by the EU should support, coordinate and supplement what national authorities do. The EU also works closely with national, European and international organisations, such as the Council of Europe, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the World Health Organization.

RELATED ACTS

Council conclusions on maximising the role of grassroots sport in developing transversal skills, especially among young people (OJ C 172, 27.5.2015, pp. 8-12)

last update 24.09.2015