Brussels, 19/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - Match fixing will be the main topic of discussion for EU sports ministers at their informal meeting devoted to sport in Nicosia on 20-21 September. The meeting, to be chaired by the Cypriot Presidency of the EU, follows on from the EU Sports Forum organised by the European Commission which will also take place in the Cypriot capital on 19-20 September. Commissioner with responsibility for sport Androulla Vassiliou, who will take part in the meeting, said: “I am committed to promoting sport and physical activity for all ages. An active lifestyle is key to our health and well-being. Unfortunately, sport also faces many challenges today. Funding at EU level can help to address issues with cross-border repercussions such as match-fixing, sport-related violence, intolerance and gender inequality,” the repercussions of which extend beyond borders.
Match fixing is an issue that has reached unprecedented levels, stretching far beyond the world of sport as this type of fraud is carried out by criminal gangs involved in large-scale organised crime and money laundering. The European Parliament, too, has shown its concern at this issue and, on 17 September, held a hearing, chaired by Dutch MEP Emine Bozkurt (S&D), calling for a European framework that would allow greater harmonisation of efforts across Europe to tackle this issue (see EUROPE 10691). Following the informal meeting and discussions with people from the world of sport, ministers are expected to adopt a statement on tackling match fixing. This will provide the compass for decision-making and for joint action to address match fixing which is eroding the credibility and integrity of sport. Ministers will also discuss the legacy of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, ways of better promoting the importance of sport and healthy lifestyles within a context of an ageing population in Europe. They will also discuss EU representation at the World Anti-doping Agency (WAA) in order to reach agreement on the nomination of a governmental expert to sit on the WAA executive committee.
While not wishing to tread on the toes of sports federations and associations, which are responsible for organising sports events, the European Commission has proposed that a sports strand be included in the new education, training, youth and sport programme “Erasmus for All”. For this, it is proposing an average annual budget of €34 million between 2014 and 2020. Support is on offer for transnational projects which seek to foster exchange of know-how and best practice for major non-commercial sports events in Europe and for work designed to complement the data available in order to draft sports policies. The main beneficiaries will be public bodies and amateur sports associations. The Commission proposal is currently being scrutinised by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers. The final budget will be known once talks on the multiannual financial framework on all areas of activity have been completed. (IL/transl.fl)