The European Olympic Committees (EOC) European Union (EU) and International Relations Commission met to discuss essential topics, from Sports Policy and EU fundraising to the European Sports Model, at the EOC EU Office headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, from 29-30 November 2022.
Chair of the EU and International Relations Commission and member of the EOC Executive Committee (ExCo), José Manuel Araujo, expressed his satisfaction at the work that had been accomplished by the organisation this year and highlighted the need to inspire unity across the continent, saying, “This year we have all had to face several challenges that have tested our resolve. Peace is something that cannot be taken for granted and must be maintained if we are to build a better future for the next generation. It has warmed my heart to see the way the European Olympic family has come together in the face of adversity, and I have no doubt that this will only strengthen our relationship and commitment to one another.”
During the meeting, Director of Staff at the EOC EU Office, Folker Hellmund, informed delegates on the current issues relating to EU Sports Policy and EU funding and highlighted potential solutions.
EOC ExCo member, Annamarie Phelps, lead a discussion on “Safe Sport” and emphasised the importance of ensuring that athlete’s voices and concerns are heard at every level. She spoke about useful seminars and workshops that would help educate athletes on how to identify issues such as harassment and abuse.
The agenda for the second day included a presentation from the Head of Human Rights at the IOC, Magali Martowicz, who explained the current IOC strategy on Human Rights and provided an update on the progress that has been made in the past year.
Moreover, Sports Lawyer and member of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) legal team during the controversial European Super League, Benoît Keane, explained the characteristics of the European Sports Model and emphasised the need to have autonomy and independence of sporting organisations and representative bodies and described why they must be guided by good-governance principles and practices.
