EOC takes lead in asking EU to support sport organizations

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation or postponement of events and closure of sport facilities across Europe, the European Olympic Committees (EOC) has been working with the European Union (EU) to find solutions and support for sport clubs and federations hardest hit by the crisis.

EU sports ministers held a videoconference yesterday to discuss the current impact of the coronavirus on sport in countries around Europe as well as possible solutions for the future. The discussions were based on a position paper on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the sport sector that was produced by the EOC EU office, the EOC branch based in Brussels, in collaboration with sport stakeholders of the SHARE Initiative of the European Commission.

The paper urges the European entities to ensure that sport organisations are fully eligible for support under relevant EU funding schemes directed to overcome the crisis. It is related specifically to the redirection of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), including the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative (CRII), and the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative Plus (CRII+).

The paper also includes an action plan for the promotion of sport for a more resilient and sustainable Europe, proposing more support measures that would directly benefit the sport sector.

The initiative has been widely supported by 43 sport stakeholders, including 16 European National Olympic Committees, and has been sent to top EU representatives, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel.

Addressing the European Commission President in a letter, EOC President Janez Kocijančič highlighted the economic and societal importance of the sport sector and the current challenges, as well as reiterating his support for the measures being implemented.

"We appreciate all the initiatives and flexibility that the European Union has shown in the last weeks and are well aware that the situation is dramatic," Kocijančič said. "It is important that some crucial elements of European sport will not disappear or collapse. The access for sport organisations and sport clubs to the current and future funding schemes must be safeguarded, and we can reassure you that the Olympic Sport movement in Europe is on your side."

For more information on the paper and initiatives, click here.

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