2010-07-12 / Asser Institute consults EPFL on EU Sports policy

The TMC Asser Institute, recently commissioned by the European Parliament  to develop a study on the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty in the field of sport, has consulted the EPFL  on the strategic choices to be pursued with regard to the new EU competence. Within this context, Robert C.R. Siekmann, Director of the T.M.C. Asser Institute visited the EPFL headquarters, on 17 June 2010,  and addresed, with the EPFL CEO Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, a number of relevant matters related EU sports policy.

The Lisbon Treaty entered into force  on 1 December 2009. Recognising the specificity and autonomy of sport and its valuable social and education functions, the Lisbon Treaty conferred, for the first time ever, a new EU competence in this field. As a result of this, the European Commission launched a wide stakeholder consultation to prepare the first EU sports programme, expected to be launched in 2012 , supported by a specific budget.

Concluding his visit to the EPFL, Robert Siekmann stated: “I was pleased to meet the EPFL at the Association’s Headquarters in Nyon. During the meeting we had the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas on the following topics: the social, educational and other benefits of sport; the significance of sport to the EU economy; the protection of the economic viability and integrity of sport; EU Social Dialogue; the recruitment, training and education of young players; the protection of minors; the regulation of players agents.