The beginning of 2023 marks the start of the six-month Swedish presidency of the Council of the EU.
In terms of sports, the Presidency will prioritise integrity, good governance and good administration with a focus on anti-doping. Thematic priorities are also the promotion of physical activity among young and elderly people by means of best-practices exchange and the support of Ukraine through sports.
The legislative process in the EU will pick up steam this year (including is some sport-related files) as the end of the current legislature is approaching. In the second quarter of 2023, the Commission will present a Recommendation on piracy of live content, i.e. a non-legislative initiative in response to Parliament's report on 'Challenges of sports events organisers in the digital environment'.
During the semester, the Swedish presidency will organizse four events relevant to sports, namely:
- EU Sport Forum (2-3 May 2023)
- Sport Ministers Council (16 May 2023)
- Youth Conference (1-4 June 2023)
- Meeting at the General Directors’ Level (15-16 June 2023)
More generally, the main political priorities of the Swedish presidency can be divided into five macro-groups: provide security for EU citizens, stop organised crime, speed up the green transition, strengthen the EU's competitiveness, safeguard EU fundamental values.
2023 will see the advancement of several files on the priority of sustainability, including the finalisation of the work on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive, Energy Efficiency Directive; and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive; as well as driving to the end of the legislative process the Regulation on the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products, and moving forward the negotiations on any remaining parts of the 'Fit for 55' package with a high level of ambition.
The full programme of the Swedish Presidency can be consulted here.