Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

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# 92000E1542

**WRITTEN QUESTION P-1542/00 by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Commission. Sponsorship for Euro 2000.** 
  
*Official Journal 046 E , 13/02/2001 P. 0201 - 0201*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1542/00

by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Commission

(10 May 2000)

Subject: Sponsorship for Euro 2000

UEFA has sold the commercial rights for the 2000 European Championship for ca. 9 million to ISL (International Sports Leisure), a promotional agency, which gives ISL the exclusive right to market Euro 2000. ISL has concluded bilateral agreements with most of the cities in the Netherlands and Belgium which will be hosting matches. This gives the cities the right to use the Euro 2000 logo.

The Dutch Ministry of the Interior estimates that in the Netherlands alone some NGL 59 million additional costs have already been incurred for extra policing, security, public information, extra public transport and judicial measures.

1. What is the Commission's view of the fact that the cities hosting matches are de facto obliged to deal with ISL for the right to promote their involvement with Euro 2000, while the same cities are making great efforts to take the measures needed to protect public areas, so that the championship can actually take place?

2. Does the Commission believe that the contracts between ISL and the cities in question are in line with European rules on competition?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2000)

The sale of sponsorship rights in relation to events such as Euro 2000 is common and does not, in itself, violate European law. Whether it is appropriate for the holder of Euro 2000 sponsorship rights to require payment from Dutch and Belgian city authorities in return for the right to use the Euro 2000 logo, taking into account the latter's funding of additional security, transport and other initiatives in relation to the event, is a contractual matter to be determined by the parties themselves. As regards the specific terms contained in those agreements, the Commission is unable to take a view as to their compatibility with European competition rules on the basis of the information provided by the Honourable Member.

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