EU MINISTERS OF SPORT MEETING: SPORT INNOVATION AND SPORT DIPLOMACY

EU MINISTERS OF SPORT MEETING: SPORT INNOVATION AND SPORT DIPLOMACY

On the 17 May, the 27 EU Ministers of Sport met in the European Council and exchanged on two sport-related trending topics: sport innovation and sport diplomacy.

SPORT INNOVATION

Innovation was recognised as a driver for almost two-thirds of Europe’s economic growth over the recent decades and, therefore, conclusions on sport innovation were approved by the Council.

Acknowledging the role that sport innovation can play in increasing citizens’ participation in sport and physical activity, in protecting sport integrity, and in tackling match-fixing and doping, the conclusions adopted invite member states to support projects enhancing innovation, as well as good practices, research, and development initiatives in the field of sport innovation.

SPORT DIPLOMACY
EU Ministers of Sport recognised the concept of sport diplomacy as part of the diplomatic toolkit of the EU’s global counterparts and, in this regard, the necessity to develop a EU sport diplomacy strategy.

After a word of introduction given by both Thomas Bach, IOC President, and Ms. Maria-Francesca Spatolisano, UN Assistant Secretary General for Policy coordination and interagency affairs, all countries recognised sport as a catalyst for extension of external relations and promotion of European values.

They suggested other key elements that should be included in the future EU sport diplomacy strategy. Among them, Italy, Spain, Poland and Sweden suggested to promote sport diplomacy through the European Sport Model. Furthermore, Luxembourg raised a question about Tokyo 2020 and the possibility for EU Ministers of Sport to attend the event despite the current sanitary conditions. Also, several countries greeted the letter initiated by Finland and signed by the 27 MSs, that was sent to Commissioner Gabriel in January 2021, asking the Commission for a common European approach in the field of Human Rights as part of major sporting events organisation.

Recent Posts

A Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union: Highlights from the European Commission Work Programme 2025

On 12 February, the European Commission presented its Work Programme and Annexes for 2025 during the European Parliament plenary session, where Members debated its key initiatives. The Programme with the motto “Moving forward together: A Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union”, prioritises competitiveness, sustainability, and social fairness.  Several initiatives are particularly relevant for the sports sector. Among the […]

Read More
OCEAN Toolbox platform: Empowering sport organisations to take on climate action

In January, the OCEAN Project celebrated its second anniversary and officially entered its final phase with Climate Action Officers from 18 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) advancing on their path to reduce their carbon footprints as part of a collective effort to tackle climate change. Analysis of 18 NOCs’ carbon footprint Throughout the project, the 18 […]

Read More
Review of Europe’s beating cancer plan: prevention with sport and physical activity  

The European Commission’s Communication “Review of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan” (2021 – 2024) assesses its progress in tackling cancer through prevention, early detection, treatment, and post-cancer care.  A key pillar of the plan is promoting healthier lifestyles, particularly through physical activity, to help reduce risk factors for non-communicable diseases and cancer. Recognising the role of […]

Read More

Related Posts

February 17, 2025
A Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union: Highlights from the European Commission Work Programme 2025

On 12 February, the European Commission presented its Work Programme and Annexes for 2025 during the European Parliament plenary session, where Members debated its key initiatives. The Programme with the motto “Moving forward together: A Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union”, prioritises competitiveness, sustainability, and social fairness.  Several initiatives are particularly relevant for the sports sector. Among the […]

February 10, 2025
OCEAN Toolbox platform: Empowering sport organisations to take on climate action

In January, the OCEAN Project celebrated its second anniversary and officially entered its final phase with Climate Action Officers from 18 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) advancing on their path to reduce their carbon footprints as part of a collective effort to tackle climate change. Analysis of 18 NOCs’ carbon footprint Throughout the project, the 18 […]

February 10, 2025
Review of Europe’s beating cancer plan: prevention with sport and physical activity  

The European Commission’s Communication “Review of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan” (2021 – 2024) assesses its progress in tackling cancer through prevention, early detection, treatment, and post-cancer care.  A key pillar of the plan is promoting healthier lifestyles, particularly through physical activity, to help reduce risk factors for non-communicable diseases and cancer. Recognising the role of […]

About us

The EOC EU Office is the House of European Sport, representing the European Olympic Committees (EOC), the IOC and other major sport organisations to the European institutions in Brussels.
CONTACT
crossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram