Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the European Union Work Plan for Sport (1 January 2021-30 June 2024) 2020/C 419/01
Date: 2020-11-27
Institutions: Council of the European Union, Representatives of the Governments of the Member States
Subjects: EU Member State, EU programme, EU sport policy, European cooperation, coronavirus disease, epidemic, health care, physical education, public awareness campaign, sports body








C_2020419EN.01000101.xml










4.12.2020   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 419/1






Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the European Union Work Plan for Sport (1 January 2021-30 June 2024)
(2020/C 419/01)
THE COUNCIL AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,








1.


RECALLING Article 6 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, according to which sport is an area where action at EU level should support, coordinate and supplement the actions of Member States.












2.


RECALLING that the Union shall contribute to the promotion of European sporting issues, while taking account of the specific nature of sport, its structures based on voluntary activity and its social and educational function (1).












3.


RECALLING that the Union action shall be aimed at developing the European dimension of sport, by promoting fairness and openness in sporting competitions and cooperation between bodies responsible for sports, and by protecting the physical and moral integrity of sportsmen and sportswomen, especially the youngest sportsmen and sportswomen (2).












4.


RECOGNISING that sport could contribute to achieve the overall political priorities of the EU, and in particular the goals of various other policy areas such as education, health, youth, social affairs, inclusion, equality, gender equality, urban and rural development, transportation, environment, tourism, employment, innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and economy; and that those policy areas could support the promotion of sport based on cross-sectoral cooperation.












5.


UNDERSCORING that, in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, sport is also an important enabler of sustainable development (3) and therefore can help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).












6.


RECALLING the Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the European Union Work Plans for Sport 2011-2014 (4), 2014-2017 (5) and 2017-2020 (6).












7.


WELCOMING the outcomes of the implementation of the EU Work Plan for Sport 2017-2020, as well as the Commission Report on its implementation and relevance (7).












8.


ACKNOWLEDGING the need for appropriate cooperation with the sport movement and other relevant stakeholders and with competent international governmental and non-governmental organisations, including the Council of Europe, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).




ESTABLISH A EUROPEAN UNION WORK PLAN FOR SPORT FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1 JANUARY 2021 TO 30 JUNE 2024:








9.


The GUIDING OBJECTIVES of this European Union Work Plan for Sport (hereinafter, the EU Work Plan) are to:






—


Strengthen an integrity- and values-based sport in the EU.










—


Strengthen the recovery and the crisis resilience of the sport sector during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.










—


Support a sustainable and evidence-based sports policy.










—


Increase participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity in order to promote an active and environment-friendly lifestyle, social cohesion and active citizenship.










—


Ensure, through cross-sectoral cooperation, the awareness of other EU policy domains of the important contribution that sport can make to Europe’s socially and environmentally sustainable growth, digitalisation as well as recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and future resilience, as well as to achieve the SDGs.










—


Strengthen the international dimension of EU sport policy, especially through exchanges and collaboration with governments and stakeholders outside the EU.










—


Provide a follow-up to the previous three EU Work Plans for Sport and to other sport-related EU documents, such as Council conclusions and resolutions.










—


Continue the exchange of knowledge and experience between the EU Member States and the Commission.










—


Intensify the dialogue and cooperation at EU level with the sport movement and other relevant stakeholders and institutions, both within and outside the field of sport and physical activity.










—


Support as appropriate the implementation of the Sport Chapter of the Erasmus+ Programme.
















10.


The EU Work Plan deals with the following priority areas:






—


Protect integrity and values in sport;










—


Socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sport;










—


Promotion of participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity.




The concrete key topics, themes, goals, working formats, possible outcomes, target dates and responsibilities are set out and explained in Annexes I and II to this document.












11.


This EU Work Plan is a flexible instrument. Subsequent changes or amendments may become necessary to respond in a timely manner to upcoming or unexpected developments and pressing issues in the field of sport and physical activity, while taking into account the priorities of the future presidencies of the Council.




INVITE THE MEMBER STATES TO:








12.


Engage in the implementation of this EU Work Plan and where appropriate contribute with their expertise and experience to the various working formats.












13.


Consider taking into account the knowledge and outcomes achieved in the implementation of this EU Work Plan when developing sport or other relevant policies at national and sub-national level, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity and the autonomy of sport.












14.


Inform, and where appropriate consult, the national sport movement and other relevant stakeholders on the implementation of this EU Work Plan and disseminate the knowledge and outcomes, in order to facilitate the practical relevance and visibility of the activities.




INVITE THE PRESIDENCIES OF THE COUNCIL TO:








15.


Take into account this EU Work Plan when developing their programme and build upon the outcomes already achieved.












16.


Consider organising meetings at working level with relevant representatives of the sport movement and other sport stakeholders inter alia to exchange information on the implementation of this EU Work Plan, to explore mutual ambitions and to provide information about the planned priorities of the incoming Council presidencies (8).












17.


At the end of the term covered by the present resolution, and on the basis of a report to be prepared by the Commission, propose a new draft EU Work Plan for the next period, if appropriate.




INVITE THE COMMISSION TO:








18.


Engage, together with the Member States, the sport movement and other relevant stakeholders, in implementing this EU Work Plan and support the Member States with its expertise and experience from all relevant policy sectors, in accordance with Annexes I and II to this Resolution.












19.


Contribute to evidence based policies in the EU and its Member states in particular through studies and surveys.












20.


Continue informing the Member States, the sport movement and other relevant stakeholders about ongoing and planned initiatives and funding opportunities in the area of sport as well as in other EU policy areas relevant to sport and, where appropriate, consult member states in advance, through the relevant Council preparatory bodies and channels (9), on implementing specific EU Work Plan initiatives.












21.


Promote the mainstreaming of sport and physical activity in other EU policy areas.












22.


Disseminate the knowledge and the outcomes achieved in the implementation of this EU Work Plan in order to ensure the practical relevance and visibility of the activities.












23.


Consider providing an online platform to store and exchange reports, best practices or relevant documents to facilitate information sharing between Member States.












24.


Submit, during the second half of 2023 and on the basis of voluntary contributions from Member States, a report on the implementation and relevance of this EU Work Plan. This report will be the basis for the preparation of a possible successor EU Work Plan during the first half of 2024.




INVITE THE SPORT MOVEMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS TO:








25.


Engage with the Member States and the Commission in the implementation of this EU Work Plan, and contribute with their expertise and experience to the various working formats.












26.


Consider disseminating the knowledge and outcomes achieved in the implementation of this EU Work Plan, and taking them into account in their own activities.






(1)  See Article 165 (1) second sub-paragraph on the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

(2)  See Article 165 (2) TFEU.

(3)  https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/70/1&Lang=E, see paragraph 37.

(4)  OJ C 162, 1.6.2011, p. 1.

(5)  OJ C 183, 14.6.2014, p. 12.

(6)  OJ C 189, 15.6.2017, p. 5.

(7)  Doc. 9469/20 + ADD 1.

(8)  This meeting could for example take place in the margins of the annual EU Sport Forum. On the EU side, participants in this meeting could be the representatives of the current Trio Presidency, the incoming Trio Presidency and the Commission.

(9)  In particular, the Council Working Party on Sport.




ANNEX I

Priority area: Protect integrity and values in sport











Key topic


Theme


Goal


Working format


(poss.) Output / target date


Leader(s)




Safe Environment in Sport (1)



Prevention of harassment, abuse and violence, including sexual violence and any form of discrimination








—


Awareness raising










—


Best-practice exchange










—


Knowledge building










—


Follow-up to the Recommendations of the Expert Group on Good Governance on the protection of young athletes and safeguarding children’s rights in sport (2016) (2) and Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on safeguarding children in sport (2019) (3)







Council and preparatory bodies


(poss.) Council Conclusions or policy debate
Second half 2023


ES Presidency




Anti-Doping (4)



Ensuring coordination and information sharing, in particular in the context of WADA and CAHAMA meetings








—


Preparation of the EU and its Member States’ positions for the Ad Hoc European Committee for the World Anti-Doping Agency (CAHAMA) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) meetings in accordance with the Resolution of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the representation of the EU Member States in the Foundation Board of WADA and the coordination of Member States’ positions prior to WADA meetings (5) (or any subsequent document relating thereto)










—


Best-practice exchange










—


Knowledge-building






Council and its preparatory bodies (supported as necessary by experts)


(poss.) EU coordination and position
(2021 - 2024)


Presidencies, Commission




Sport and Education


Sport as a framework for personal, social and learning skills and promoting tolerance, solidarity, inclusiveness as well as other sport values and EU values (6)









—


Awareness raising










—


Best-practice exchange










—


Knowledge-building










—


Follow-up to the Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on promoting the common values of the EU through sport (7)







Group of interested Member States (Peer-learning activity)


2021 - 2022


DE




Conference on the place and impact of sport in Children’s life


First half 2022


FR Presidency




DGs Meeting (with special focus on professional athletes and sport movements as role models)


Second half 2022


CZ Presidency




Skills and qualifications in sport: athletes and staff, particularly coaches


Conference


2021 - 2023


Commission




 


Athlete’s dual careers








—


Awareness rising










—


Best-practice exchange










—


Follow-up to the Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on dual careers for athletes (8)







Council and preparatory bodies


Policy Debate
(Second half 2021)


SI Presidency




Gender equality








—


Increasing the share of women, especially among coaches and leadership positions in sports organisations and sports clubs










—


Equal conditions (including payment) of female and male athletes, coaches, officials, staff, etc.










—


Increasing the media coverage of women’s sport competitions, fight against stereotypes etc.












—


Best-practice exchange










—


Knowledge-building










—


Follow-up to the Council Conclusions of 21 May 2014 on Gender Equality in Sport (9) and to the Recommendations of the Expert Group on Good Governance on Gender Equality in sport (2016) (10)







Conference


2022 - 2023


Commission




Council and preparatory bodies


(poss.) Council Conclusions (Second half 2023)


ES Presidency




Sport Diplomacy


Sport Diplomacy in the context of EU external relations








—


Best-practice exchange










—


Knowledge-building










—


Follow-up to the Council conclusions on sport diplomacy (11)







Conference


First half 2021


PT Presidency




Group of interested Member States


First half 2023


HR




European Model of Sport


Impact of closed sport competitions on the system of organised sport, taking into account the specificity of sport
Possible challenges faced by European sport organisations and federations (working title)








—


Knowledge building










—


Analysis of the factual and legal situation










—


Awareness rising






Council and preparatory bodies


(poss.) Council Conclusions (Second half 2021)


SI Presidency




(poss.) Study


2022


Commission




Athletes' rights


Athletes' rights and working conditions, in particular those related to the participation in sporting events (inter alia marketing rights, freedom of expression, legal protection, non-discrimination)








—


Awareness raising










—


Knowledge-building










—


Analysis of the factual and legal situation






Seminar


2023


Commission




(poss.) Study


 


Commission




Good Governance development and promotion within sport


Identifying governance-related obstacles to tackle within sport








—


Best-practice exchange










—


Benchmarking






Conference


2022 - 2023


BG
SE




Fight against the manipulation of sports competitions


Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions (‘Macolin Convention’)








—


Examine ways, together with the Commission, to solve the deadlock with regard to the Convention in view of enabling the EU and all its Member States to complete their respective ratification processes and accede to the Convention










—


Follow-up to Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on combating corruption in sport (12)







Council and preparatory bodies


2021 - 2022


Presidencies
Commission





Priority area: Socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sport











Key topic


Theme


Goal


Working format


(poss.) Output / target date


Leader(s)




Innovation and digitalisation


Sport innovation in every dimension and on all levels of the sport sector (including the local sports clubs)








—


Best-practice exchange










—


Knowledge-building










—


Follow-up to the Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on sport as a driver of innovation and economic growth (13)







Council and preparatory bodies


(poss.) Council conclusions on sport innovation
(First half 2021)


PT Presidency




Seminar


First half 2021


PT Presidency




Group of interested Member States


First half 2021


BG




Group of interested Member States (focused in particular on the use of digital tools in coach education (14))


2021 - 2022


DE
HR




Seminar


Second half 2023


BE




Green Sport








—


Education for sustainable sport










—


Environmentally friendly sports practice, facilities and events










—


Evolution of sport and its practice in the light of climate change












—


Best-practice exchange










—


Knowledge-building










—


Awareness rising










—


Elaboration of a proposal for common framework with shared commitments, taking into account the European climate pact






Expert Group


2021 - 2023


Commission




Group of interested Member States


2021 - First half 2022


FR Presidency




 


 


NL




Council and preparatory bodies


(poss.) Council Resolution on a Green pact for sport, possibly accompanied by a multi-stakeholder declaration
(First half 2022)


FR Presidency




Sport facilities


Sustainable planning, construction and maintenance








—


Best-practice exchange










—


Knowledge-building










—


Awareness rising






Group of interested Member States (Peer-Learning-Activity)


2021


DE




Conference


Second half 2022


CZ Presidency




Council and preparatory bodies


(poss.) Council conclusions on sustainable and accessible sport infrastructure (Second half 2022)


CZ
Presidency




Major sporting events








—


Future of Europe as hosting place for Major sporting events










—


Co-hosting of Major sporting events by several countries










—


Sustainable planning and realisation










—


Positive legacies for host cities or regions (including youth engagement)












—


Best-practice exchange










—


Follow-up to Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on enhancing integrity, transparency and good governance in major sport events (15) and to Recommendations of the Expert Group on the Economic Dimension of Sport on major sport events, in particular on legacy aspects with a focus on social, economic and environmental sustainability (2016) (16)





Follow-up to the declaration signed during the informal ministerial meeting on 31 May 2018 in Paris (17)



Group of interested Member States or Conference


Second half 2021


FI




 


2022 - 2023


NL




 


2024


ES




EU sport perspective on the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games


DGs Meeting


First half 2022


FR Presidency




Investments in sport and physical activity








—


Contribution of sport to regional development










—


Possibilities for the use of EU funding programmes (Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), React-EU, the Structural Funds and other EU funding programs)












—


Analysis of the situation










—


Best-practice exchange










—


Knowledge-building










—


Follow-up to the Conclusions of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the economic dimension of sport and its socioeconomic benefits (18)











—


Follow-up to the Conclusions of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery of the sport sector (19)







Group of interested Member States


2021


IT




Cluster Meeting


2022


Commission




Strengthening the recovery and the crisis resilience of the sport sector during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic








—


Medium and long-term impact of the pandemic on professional, high-performance and grassroots sports










—


Possible need for structural modifications in the sport system










—


Role of public authorities










—


Funding opportunities












—


Analysis of situation










—


Best-practice exchange










—


Strategy development










—


Follow-up to the Conclusions of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery of the sport sector (20)







Conference


2021


ES




Expert Group


2021 - 2023


Commission





Priority area: Promotion of participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity











Key topic


Theme


Goal


Working format


Output / target date


Leader(s)




Creation of adequate opportunities for sport and physical activity for all generations


Strategic development of sport and physical activity at local level








—


Best-practice exchange










—


Knowledge-building










—


Follow-up to the Council conclusions on the promotion of motor skills, physical and sport activities for children (2015) (21).






Group of interested Member States


2021 - 2022


DE




Developing the place and impact of sport in Children’s life


Conference


First half 2022


FR Presidency




Council and preparatory bodies


(poss.) Council Conclusions (First half 2022)


FR Presidency




Promoting Physical Activity








—


Monitoring of lifelong physical activity










—


Cross-sectoral cooperation with relevant institutions (inter alia with schools)










—


Role of the media












—


Awareness rising










—


Knowledge building










—


Best-practice exchange






Conference


Second half 2021


SI Presidency




Council and preparatory bodies


(poss.) Council conclusions (Second half of 2021)


SI Presidency






(1)  Article 165 (2) TFEU: ‘Union action shall be aimed at (…) developing the European dimension in sport, (…) by protecting the physical and moral integrity of sportsmen and sportswomen, especially the youngest sportsmen and sportswomen.’

(2)  https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfm?do=groupDetail.groupDetailDoc&id=25000&no=1

(3)  OJ C 419, 12.12.2019, p. 1.

(4)  Article 165 (2) TFEU: Union action shall be aimed at (…) developing the European dimension in sport, by promoting fairness and openness in sporting competitions (…).

(5)  OJ C 192, 7.6.2019, p. 1.

(6)  Article 165 (1) TFEU: ‘The Union shall contribute to the promotion of European sporting issues, while taking account (…) its social and educational function.’

(7)  OJ C 196, 8.6.2018, p. 23.

(8)  OJ C 168, 14.6.2013, p. 10.

(9)  OJ C 183, 14.6.2014, p. 39.

(10)  https://ec.europa.eu/assets/eac/sport/library/policy_documents/expert-group-gender-equality_en.pdf

(11)  OJ C 467, 15.12.2016, p. 12.

(12)  OJ C 416, 11.12.2019, p. 3 (see paragraph 26).

(13)  OJ C 436, 5.12.2014, p. 2.

(14)  Follow-up to the Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the role of coaches in society (OJ C 423, 9.12.2017, p. 6) and Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on empowering coaches by enhancing opportunities to acquire skills and competences (OJ C 196, 11.6.2020, p. 1).

(15)  OJ C 212, 14.6.2016, p. 14.

(16)  https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfm?do=groupDetail.groupDetailDoc&id=23271&no=1

(17)  https://www.sports.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/declarationjop2024_europe_en.pdf

(18)  OJ C 449, 13.12.2018, p. 1.

(19)  OJ C 214 I, 29.6.2020, p. 1.

(20)  See footnote 28.

(21)  OJ C 417, 15.12.2015, p. 46.





ANNEX II
Principles related to the working formats and reporting

1.   

The EU Work Plan for Sport will be implemented in particular through expert groups, groups of interested Member States (i.e. for Peer-learning activities), cluster meetings, Council conclusions, conferences and studies.



2.   
Expert groups are designed for broader participation from the Member States, with the involvement of the sport movement and other relevant stakeholders on EU level. Participation is open to all Member States at any time. Member States might consider (also) appointing, in appropriate cases, representatives of their national sports movement to an expert group.
Expert groups are chaired by the Commission in accordance with the provisions of decision C(2016) 3301 (1). When selecting representatives from the sports movement and other stakeholders in sport, the Commission is asked to take into account not least the relevance of the institution concerned and the topic-related expertise of specifically appointed representatives.


3.   
Groups of interested Member States will be organised by one or several Member States, inter alia, in order to exchange information on specific topics and issues in greater detail. Participation in groups of interested Member States is open to all Member States. Representatives of the sports movement or other relevant stakeholders might also be involved. Member States are also free to form groups of interested Member States on topics that are not listed in Annex I.
Groups of interested Member States may, if they deem it necessary, define their own working procedures and structures, in the light of their specific needs and outcomes. The Commission shall be associated with the work of these groups and, if the budgetary conditions are met, the Commission may provide financial support for the work of the groups of interested Member States (as a peer learning activity).


4.   

Cluster meetings are organised by the Commission on a specific theme to present the work and results of relevant projects funded through the Erasmus+ Sport Chapter or other EU funding programmes.



5.   

The participation of Member States in the implementation of the Work Plan is voluntary.



6.   

Meetings of expert groups, groups of interested Member States, conferences and cluster meetings may also take place in virtual form in appropriate cases.



7.   

The Commission will report to the Working Party on Sport on the progress of work in the expert groups and on conferences/cluster meetings/studies, and will present the respective outputs. The Council presidencies will do the same with regard to the events they organise. Groups of interested Member States may nominate representatives to do likewise.



8.   

The agendas and reports of all groups will be available to all Member States, irrespective of their degree of participation in a given area. The outputs of the groups will be published and disseminated at EU and national level through the appropriate channels.




(1)  Commission Decision of 30.5.2016 establishing horizontal rules on the creation and operation of Commission expert groups (C(2016) 3301 final): https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regdoc/rep/3/2016/EN/3-2016-3301-EN-F1-1.PDF