Brussels, 04/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 1 April 2008, the European Parliament's education and culture committee adopted an own initiative report by Manolis Mavromatis (EPP-ED, Greece) on sport by a large majority, based on the European Commission's July 2007 White Paper on sport. In the prospect of ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, which officially recognises sport, the role of sport in Europe must be given a 'strategic orientation' and the application of EU law must be clarified, says the Committee. The MEPs therefore ask the Commission to respect 'sport's specificity' and 'create clear guidelines as to how EU rules should be applied.' They request a special budget line in the 2009 budget for preparatory actions in the field of sport, given that the Lisbon Treaty, if ratified, foresees incentive measures in the area of sport. The report also highlights: 1) self-regulation, which can address most challenges, along with structured partnership and dialogue between the Commission and sports movements; 2) tackling doping, avoiding over-packed sports calendars that put pressure on athletes and giving greater responsibility to sports organisation. The Commission is urged to consider treating trade in illicit doping substances in the same way as trade in illicit drugs; 3) the dangers of possible deregulation of lotteries and gambling and the need to adopt regulatory measures to ensure sport is protected from any improper influence relating to betting; 4) greater solidarity in the selling of TV rights to ensure that not only the biggest clubs will benefit from the selling of the rights; and 5) respect for immigration legislation to ensure that sport, which attracts talented youngsters, is not used for human trafficking. (I.L.)