The main representatives of international, European and national sport organisations met in Madrid, from 19 to 21 April, to discuss the Union’s new agenda for sport.

As part of the EU Sport Forum, a joint session was held, on 20 April – entitled ‘The Lisbon Treaty and sport: A new agenda’ – with Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou (education, youth and culture) and sport ministers in attendance. Authorities and experts from the sector analysed sport cooperation in the EU, the Commission’s initiatives – particularly concerning the social role of sport and the organisation and financing of sport events – and the elements required for implementing the EU’s new competences in this field.

On 21 April, an informal ministerial meeting will examine: member states’ priorities for the new EU sport agenda, structured dialogue on sport, creation of a working group on “social inclusion and equal opportunity in sport,” reports on economic statistics, health and sport, and the fight against doping.

The Commission launched an online consultation, on 8 April, on the EU’s strategic choices for implementing the Union’s new powers in this field. The Lisbon Treaty entitles the Union to support and encourage the development of sport in the member states and to develop the European dimension of sport. The executive is drawing up policy options for implementation of these new competences.

Further information is available at ec.europa.eu/sport/index_en.htm