Brussels, July 12 – On 1 July Belgium took over the 6 monthly rotating EU Presidency.

 For its EU-Presidency Belgium has adopted a “sober method” based on an “ambitious but realistic” programme.

 Regarding sport, 2 priorities have already been identified. The Belgium Presidency wants to focus on:

 ·         “Sport and Education”, especially on dual career, mobility in sport, qualification in sport and youth education as well as the protection of minors.

 ·         “Fight against doping” thanks to a stronger involvement of the EU in this field.

  Some meetings concerning sports issues have already been scheduled:

 ·         15 September: Meeting of the Sport Directors in Genval

 ·         21-22 October: Informal meeting of Sport Ministers in Anvers

 ·         19 November: Formal Sports Ministers Council within the frame of the Education, Youth and Culture Council in Brussels.

 Yves Leterme, Belgiums acting prime minister, reaffirmed that the unstable situation in Belgium will “in no way affect” Belgiums EU-Presidency.

 For more information, see the Belgium EU-Presidency website: http://www.eutrio.be/