European Union Strengthens Support to Sport

The new EU Erasmus+ Programme includes a new funding scheme for projects specifically related to sport.

This Programme has traditionally been known for its aspects covering education, training and youth. As of 2014, the European Union is integrating sport as a stand-alone field in its new Erasmus+ Programme. Erasmus+ is scheduled to take place from 2014 to 2020 and its sport part will contribute to the achievement of the objective of developing the European dimension in sport in line with the EU Work Plan for Sport (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). A report has recently been issued about the EU Work Plan for Sport 2011-2014 (http://eur-lex.europa.eu) and a second edition is expected to be voted for by the Council in May 2014.

It will support actions such as collaborative partnerships, not-for-profit sport events, strengthening of the evidence base for policy making, dialogue with relevant European stakeholders and support to Sport Presidency events organised by the EU member state holding the semester of presidency of the EU. At all levels, the focus will be set mainly on grassroots sports.

More specifically, these activities will aim to:

• Tackle cross-border threats to the integrity of sport (e.g. doping, match-fixing, violence, intolerance and discrimination)

• Promote and support good governance in sport and dual careers of athletes

• Promote voluntary activities, social inclusion, and equal opportunities in sport

• Raise awareness of the health benefits of physical activity (e.g. Health-enhancing physical activity – HEPA)

• Increase participation in sports and physical activity

The budget allowed for Sport for the 2014-2020 represents EUR 210 million out of a total budget of EUR 14.7 billion (40% budget increase compared to the 2007-2013 period). EUR 19.3 million will be distributed in 2014 alone. The deadline for application is 15 May 2014 for projects starting 1 January 2015. Any non-profit organisation or public part, established in a Programme Country can apply for funding for collaborative partnerships. Not-for-profit sporting events starting as of 1 June 2014 must be applied for before 14 March 2014.  Projects are expected to last between 12 and 36 months.

ICSSPE is very pleased to see that sport is being acknowledged as an important issue by the European Union and congratulates the financial effort that is being made in this regard through the Erasmus+ Programme. ICSSPE Manager for Services and Communications Ben Weinberg considers the programme and budgetary dimension “a reflection of a positive development of European sport policies and an indicator for an increase of the significance of sport at the European level.”

You may find all the relevant information about the Sport field of Erasmus+ at http://ec.europa.eu/sport/opportunities/index_en.htm