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Towards a new EU sport policy…

Pedro Velazquez, Deputy Head of the Sport Unit, European Commission

1/ Since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the sport has become a fully-fledged policy of the European Union. How has the EU implemented this new competence in the field of sport? What are your priorities?

To implement the Lisbon Treaty in the field of sport, the Commission envisages proposing a new EU framework for sport based on an EU agenda for policy-making and cooperation in sport (2010-2013), which will build on the experience gained with the implementation of the 2007 White Paper on Sport (COM 391 of 11/7/2009) and develops new initiatives based on the Treaty competence for sport. (See: http://ec.europa.eu/sport/white-paper/index_en.htm)
A Communication of the Commission to the Council and the Parliament (to be adopted in November 2010) should set out the new framework which will guide EU action in the field of sport while taking account of the specific nature of sport. It will focus on the elements outlined in Article 165 of the TFUE: the social and educational functions of sport; sport structures, in particular those based on voluntary activity, the promotion of fairness and openness in sporting competitions, the protection of the physical and moral integrity of sportspeople and to enhance dialogue and cooperation with sport stakeholders.

It is proposed to present a draft Communication and a draft Decision for the 2-year EU Sport Programme as a package to the College in November 2010.

Commission proposals for the new EU sport agenda will focus on the following areas:

-Promoting sport\'s social and educational functions – its ability to draw disadvantaged groups and people into the community; its health and educational benefits;
-Supporting volunteering in sport – volunteers are key people in the sports community;
-Promoting European values of fairness and openness, tackling discrimination and violence, combating doping and protecting the integrity of sportspeople;
-Recognizing the specific nature of sport;
-And strengthening the structured dialogue with sports organizations.


2/ Will this step forward eventually allow the creation of a European sport model?


The Commission supports a he model of sport based on principles of good governance, dialogue amongst all relevant stakeholders and between sports organizations and public authorities.

The Commission supports the long tradition in Europe where many sports are based on an open and pyramidal system based on promotion and relegation and which is part of the specific nature of European sport.

To maintain such a system the Commission aims at a well-balanced approach that takes advantage of the new possibilities offered by the Treaty, particularly with regard to the specific nature of sport. The Commission continues to take account of EU law on the internal market and its fundamental freedoms.

The Commission discusses, together with all concerned actors, how to develop this approach further, identify the themes on which guidance should be provided and as much legal clarity as possible. The Commission intends to cover any such aspects in the Communication that it will present later this year.


3/ Following the preparatory action in the field of sport, will there be other specific programs created?


Simultaneously with the Communication it will be proposed to the Council and the Parliament a new EU Sport Programme in order to support this EU agenda in sport. This programme will be proposed for two years (2012-2013) in a proposal for a Decision of the EP and the Council. It should support a limited number of preparatory measures helping us to identify the right priorities for the later sport agenda.


4/ A public consultation on sports has been launched between the 8th of April and the 1st of June 2010. What are your expectations regarding the results?


Consultations on the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty in the field of sport through two initiatives (Communication, EU Sport Programme 2012-2013) have started with different (groups of) sport stakeholders and will continue during June 2010.

In the frame of the online consultation more than 1,300 valid submissions were received. Approximately 30% of respondents filled out the questionnaire on behalf of their organisations. This ratio demonstrates that the online consultation reached a considerable number of respondents outside organised sport.

We are currently analysing the results but we know already that there is a high degree of consensus on the majority of questions, namely on policy priorities for EU action where the social and educational function of sport and volunteering in sport appear as the most voted.

Besides, the EU Sport Forum took place in Madrid the 19-20 April 2010 and it was combined with an Informal Ministerial meeting 20-21 April. An online consultation has been open to the citizens during May and June 2010. Several bilateral meetings have also been organised at different levels with key stakeholders (IOC, UEFA, EPFL, ECA, Fifpro, EU Athletes, etc.).


5/ What do you think of the proposal of a fair play financial system from UEFA?


With regard to clubs finances, as confirmed in the conference organised in Brussels on 17-18 September 2009, the Commission recognises the usefulness of robust licensing systems for professional clubs as a tool for ensuring the balance of competitions and promoting good governance.

We are supportive of UEFA\'s efforts to ensure financial fair play amongst clubs in the competitions it organises. We are aware that the concrete application of the principles adopted in September last year is about to be finalised and we are ready to assist UEFA, the national federations, leagues and clubs in further discussing this issue if needed.

Whilst promoting financial stability in club competitions, the Commission also has a duty to ensure that licensing schemes remain proportionate and do not unduly restrict competition and the Internal Market\'s fundamental freedoms.