Brussels, 24/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - European sports ministers, meeting in Gödöllõ on 22 and 23 February, discussed the funding of European sport and tackling doping. Member states were adamant in stating that sport must not “fall victim to the economic crisis” and called for a framework programme for sport. “We must struggle for a European Union sports framework programme”, said Hungarian Minister of State for Sports Attila Czene, who chaired the meeting. Several member states declared: “Although we live in an age of austerity measures, it would be symbolical in the present poor economic situation to succeed in establishing a European sports framework programme by 2014, which could provide financial support to sports”. This is a point of view expressed by MEPs one month previously (see EUROPE 10301). Some ministers said it was more realistic to try to integrate sports in the existing funding mechanisms, as the Community's budget is unlikely to be expanded in the period of economic consolidation. The Structural Funds and the Social Fund remain the best funding sources for sports. Commissioner with responsibility for sports Androulla Vassiliou said: “We have to be ambitious but realistic”. She backed member states' suggestions, and highlighted that priorities have to be set by member states, and not by the Commission. Since sport is now are area of Community competence, the possibility of creating a special sports fund should not be rejected. “If we believe in sports, this is what we have to do”, she added.
Ministers also discussed how to tackle doping, one of the most daunting challenges for European sports. Czene pointed out that Europe provides half of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) budget, but its influence in decision-making is not commensurate. “In the Foundation Board (the supreme decision-making body), we are struggling for better, and more professional representation and continuity”, he said, adding that he would prefer representatives with more experience and longer terms of office (three years rather then the current 18 months), so as to be better able to represent EU interests. At the moment, the European Union has three representatives on the WADA Foundation Board. Member states have already submitted a number of proposals which, Czene said, required a Council position, which will have to be prepared by the Polish Presidency. Ministers also touched on, inter alia, the importance of sport in improving the quality of life, maintaining good health and promoting social inclusion, particularly among migrants and the handicapped.
Alongside the informal meeting, the European Sports Forum took place in Budapest. At this meeting, Czene informed representatives of various international, European and national sports organisations of the work being done by member states to develop a framework programme by 2014. The organisations participating in the conference made suggestions and shared their experiences. “An open dialogue may help us to determine the way forward in the field of sports, and the strategy that should be adopted by EU sports ministers”, stated Vassiliou. The commissioner set out the broad thrust of the Commission's communication on sports, which was adopted in January. She highlighted equal opportunities for men and women in sports, the issue of transfers of athletes, especially in football, and the importance of the fight against doping. Speaking on this subject, WADA Director General David Howman promised: “We pay special attention to combating the use of illicit drugs, those who encourage the athletes to cheat must be brought to justice”. (I.L./transl.rt)