Brussels, January 19 – The European Commission has adopted new proposals aimed at strengthening the societal, economic and organisational dimensions of sport. ….

Athletes, sport organisations and citizens are expected to benefit from the plans, which flow from the EU’s new role under the Lisbon Treaty to support and coordinate sport policy in the Member States. Action is foreseen in areas where challenges cannot be sufficiently dealt with at national level alone.

The Commission’s proposals follow a consultation with Member States and sport stakeholders and take account of the experience gained in implementing the 2007 White Paper on Sport. In 2009-2010 the Commission provided more than €6 million to support around 40 sport projects aimed at promoting health, social inclusion, volunteering, access for the disabled, gender equality and the fight against doping. Twelve new projects will be launched in 2011 (see annex).

Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, who ill meet the Olympic Movement net January 27 in Lauannse, said: “Sport is important for Europe’s economy and a key component of its social model. The measures we have adopted today highlight sport’s contribution to our society and will help improve the way sport is run.”