Croatia took the opportunity at the Youth and Sport Council, which took place on 21 and 22 November, to present the priorities it will defend during the next six months, when it holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Above all, it will be a question of concluding the negotiations on the Erasmus financial programmes and the European Solidarity Corps.
As indicated earlier this month, it has chosen as its slogan “A Strong Europe in a Challenging World”, with the following four priorities: Europe that develops, Europe that connects, Europe that protects and Europe that is influential (see EUROPE 12362/7).
In the area of youth, Zagreb intends to focus on three topics. First, it will promote opportunities for young people in rural and remote areas, in particular by assessing their needs in terms of necessary services, helping them to get involved in activities more reserved for cities, as well as promoting intergenerational solidarity and social entrepreneurship. It will also seek to draw attention to the youth sector by informing people and strengthening resources, as well as to strengthen the European youth dialogue. At this level, the Croatian Presidency commits to propose a document that will include measures and recommendations for future actions in the field of youth on the basis of the results of the 7th round of dialogue.
Regarding sport, it should submit conclusions to Ministers on the qualities and skills of coaches. It will also address the role and influence of the media in sport and the recognition of learning acquired through sporting activities. It will also coordinate the EU's positions in preparation for the meetings of the Anti-Doping Agency.
As far as the timetable is concerned, the Youth Council will be held on 18 May and the Sport Council the following day. The incoming Presidency will organise a seminar on coaching skills on 27 and 28 February in Zagreb, a conference on youth from 9 to 11 March, the Commission's ‘Sport Forum’ on 26 and 27 March, a meeting of Directors-General for Sport from 2 to 4 June in Dubrovnik and a conference on the role and influence of the media in sport on 4 and 5 June in Dubrovnik. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)