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EspañolICSSPE participates in EPAS Governing Board and Consultative Committee Meeting in Strasbourg
ICSSPE
28/05/2026 15:00
ICSSPE was represented by its Executive Director, Patrick Stolpmann, at the 20th meeting of the Governing Board of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) and the joint meeting with the EPAS Consultative Committee, held on 27–28 May 2026 at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, France.
The meeting brought together governmental representatives, members of the Consultative Committee, youth participants, and key stakeholders from across the European sport sector to exchange views on current priorities in sport policy and governance. As a member of the EPAS Consultative Committee, ICSSPE contributed to discussions addressing some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in sport, including good governance, inclusive sport, safe sport, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union.
The programme opened with a joint session of the Governing Board and Consultative Committee, including youth participants. A central focus of this session was the implementation of a “youth perspective” in sport, reflecting the importance of ensuring that young people are not only beneficiaries of sport policies, but also active contributors to their development. Delegates also discussed preparations for the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport, which will take place in Monaco in November 2026.
During the meeting, elections were also held for the EPAS Consultative Committee leadership and representatives. Charlotte Girard Fabre, from the International Federation of Sport Officials (IFSO), was elected Chair, while Patrik Perosa, from the International Dance Organization (IDO), was elected Vice-Chair. James Ogilvie from UEFA, Annamarie Phelps from the European Olympic Committees (EOC), Guido Battaglia from the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR), and Marie Denitton from the European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation (ENGSO) were also elected.
Good governance featured prominently throughout the agenda, with discussions addressing the autonomy of sport, the work of the relevant EPAS working group, and the next steps in promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability within sport organisations. The meeting also included a policy debate on promoting good governance in sports organisations, providing an opportunity for delegates to exchange views on future priorities in this area.
Inclusion was another major theme of the meeting. Participants reviewed follow-up actions from the EPAS Diversity Conference 2025 and discussed preparations for the 2027 edition. The agenda also included topics such as women and girls’ participation in sport, the human rights of transgender and intersex athletes, and the inclusion of child migrants and refugees in and through sport.
The meeting further addressed developments in safe sport, including the Council of Europe’s Start to Talk initiative and the International Pool of Experts on Safe Sport. Other key topics included solidarity with Ukraine, sport conventions, online courses on child safeguarding and anti-discrimination, and the role of sport facilities in sustainability.
Artificial intelligence was also discussed in relation to sports policy, with delegates considering the potential assessment of AI tools from the perspective of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This reflects the growing relevance of digital transformation for sport governance and policy-making.
The final sessions focused on cooperation with the European Union and ongoing EU–Council of Europe joint projects, including the Sport for All initiative where ICSSPE is also involved, equality, and the European Sport Model.
Ahead of and alongside the EPAS meeting, a youth event titled “Youth Perspective for Safe and Healthy Sport” was held from 25–27 May 2026 at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, in preparation for the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport. ICSSPE also contributed to this process by nominating Ilenia Guddemi from Germany to take part in the youth meeting. The programme provided young participants with the opportunity to exchange views on safer and healthier sport, discuss draft inputs from EPAS, and develop expectations and recommendations to be brought forward to the Governing Board meeting. The youth participants later joined the EPAS Governing Board and Consultative Committee plenary meeting on 27 May, ensuring that their perspectives were included in the broader policy discussions.
Reflecting on the event, Ilenia highlighted the value of the exchange and the diversity of the participants:
“This was a great and very well-organised event. The diversity of participants, representing different sports, countries, and professional backgrounds, allowed us to broaden our understanding, share perspectives, and deepen our knowledge of safer and healthier sport. Drafting recommendations in small teams was a valuable experience, as it enabled us to combine our knowledge, experience, and skills to achieve tangible results. The event was an inspiring and enriching opportunity to exchange ideas, expand our knowledge, and network.”
ICSSPE’s participation in the EPAS Consultative Committee, alongside its contribution to the youth perspective process, underlines its continued commitment to supporting international dialogue, evidence-informed policy, and cross-sector cooperation in sport, physical education, and physical activity. Through its engagement, ICSSPE contributes to strengthening the role of science, education, civil society, and young people in shaping inclusive, ethical, and sustainable sport systems across Europe and beyond.