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The Council of Europe supports its member states in tackling the major challenges facing sport today, from doping, match fixing and dangerous stadiums to abuse of young athletes and discrimination. The Council facilitate co-operation at local, national and international level and help states prepare for major sports events
The Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) by the Council provides a platform for intergovernmental sports co-operation between the public authorities of its member states. It also encourages dialogue between public authorities, sports federations
The Council of Europe actively supports its member states in addressing key challenges in sport, such as doping, match-fixing, unsafe stadiums, abuse of young athletes, and discrimination. By facilitating co-operation at local, national, and international levels, it helps states prepare for major sports events and fosters collaboration to promote ethical and inclusive sports practices.
Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS):
EPAS provides a platform for intergovernmental co-operation in sports, bringing together public authorities, sports federations, and NGOs. This collaboration promotes good governance, making sport safer, fairer, and more ethical. EPAS develops standards, monitors their implementation, and provides strategic guidance to ensure ongoing dialogue between governments and sports organisations. This helps to agree on concrete steps for promoting values through sport.
Key Activities and Initiatives:
- Ministerial meetings: Regular gatherings address topics like the autonomy of sport, match-fixing, gender equality, and corruption. At the 18th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport (October 2023, Porto, Portugal), representatives from over 40 countries adopted a resolution committing to collaborative governance in sport. The next meeting will be held in Monaco in 2026.
- Membership and Co-operation: EPAS currently includes 37 states, with five of six Western Balkans economies participating, and encourages countries seeking international sports co-operation to join.
- Thematic Projects: EPAS works on discrimination in sport, child protection, and other pressing issues, often collaborating with the European Union. Notable initiatives include Pro Safe Sport+ (focusing on child safeguarding) andand Balance in Sport (promoting gender equality). EPAS also partners with organisations on projects addressing migrants’ integration and cross-border sports governance benchmarking.
Mission:
EPAS aims to ensure sport adheres to high ethical standards, promoting fairness, safety, and inclusivity. Its efforts focus on combating corruption, supporting gender equality, protecting children, and using sport as a tool for social integration. Through its initiatives, EPAS reinforces the societal importance of sport and its role in fostering European values.
