By Tom Walker, February 19, 2014
The European Union (EU) has had a “positive impact” on sport in the UK, according to a report from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The EU's influence on British sport was increased when it was given a supporting and coordinating role in sporting matters by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. Since then, she has influenced a variety of sports-related policies and recommendations.
The report “Review of the Balance of Competencies between the United Kingdom and the European Union Culture, Tourism and Sport” states that part of the positive impact of EU decisions and recommendations can be attributed to the UK's active participation in the EU working groups on sport.
Of the six EU expert groups on sport, the UK chairs three: Good Governance in Sport; Sustainable financing of sport; and education and training in sports.
The aim of the groups is to produce recommendations that will guide the actions of sports organizations across the EU, taking into account lessons learned and good practices from existing projects.
The DCMS report also highlights the benefits of EU funding for British sport, which can be used to create new networks and deliver larger projects.
To read the full report, click here.