Presidency
Malta
Period: January–June 2017
EU Council: 23 May 2017
Minister responsible: Evarist BARTOLO, Minister for Education and Employment
Sport Working Party Chair: Dermot GALEA
Adopted EU Council Policy Documents
Policy Debate
Topic: Sports media and its role in strengthening social inclusion.
Guest speakers: William Bush, Executive Director of the English Premier League
Background paper
High-level Structured Dialogue
Topic: Sports media and their role in strengthening social inclusion.
Guest speakers: Representatves of English Premier League, Association Internationale de la Presse Sportive (AIPS), European Olympic Committees (EOC), Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Sport Malta
Council Conclusions on Sport as a platform for social inclusion through volunteering.
Summary Full text Source
These Council conclusions emphasise that volunteering in and through sport presents a powerful vehicle for social inclusion across Europe.
Recognising sport as the largest voluntary activity in many Member States, the document highlights how sport-based volunteering can foster active citizenship, belonging and integration, particularly for groups at risk of exclusion such as migrants, refugees, persons with disabilities and vulnerable youth.
Recognising sport as the largest voluntary activity in many Member States, the document highlights how sport-based volunteering can foster active citizenship, belonging and integration, particularly for groups at risk of exclusion such as migrants, refugees, persons with disabilities and vulnerable youth.
Member States are invited to promote and support sport-volunteering initiatives that reach disadvantaged groups, strengthen local community ties and enhance social cohesion. The conclusions also call on the Commission and national authorities to collect evidence, share good practices and facilitate partnerships among sport organisations, volunteer networks, education and youth actors, in order to harness sport volunteering as a strategic tool for inclusion.
Council Resolution on the European Union Work Plan for Sport (1 July 2017 - 31 December 2020).
Summary Full text Source
The Resolution establishes the EU Work Plan for Sport for 2017–2020, the third multiannual framework for cooperation under Article 165 TFEU. Building on previous work plans, it recognises sport’s contribution to economic growth, public health, social inclusion, security and broader EU priorities.
Member States underline sport’s cross-cutting nature and its relevance to challenges such as migration, social exclusion, radicalisation and unhealthy lifestyles. Cooperation with stakeholders, third countries and international organisations remains essential.
Member States underline sport’s cross-cutting nature and its relevance to challenges such as migration, social exclusion, radicalisation and unhealthy lifestyles. Cooperation with stakeholders, third countries and international organisations remains essential.
The Work Plan, covering July 2017 to December 2020, focuses on strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation, improving the evidence base for policy, supporting coordinated long-term action, addressing transnational issues, and respecting the specific nature of sport. It also promotes gender equality, dual careers and grassroots participation. Three priorities guide implementation: integrity of sport, the economic dimension of sport, and sport’s societal role. Activities include expert work, studies, seminars and peer learning. Expert Groups, cluster meetings and Presidency events support delivery, with the Commission and Member States jointly ensuring coordination and dissemination.