EU has 'positive influence' on sport in UK

The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) has published a report looking at the relationship between the UK and the EU and how it affects sport.

The report was published after the Government's wider review of the balance of competences between the UK and the EU last summer – in which a number of sports bodies, including the Alliance, submitted consultation responses.

Pleasingly the report underlines that there is broad consensus about the role that the EU should play with regard to sport. Stakeholders were of the view that the EU has generally had a positive influence on sport as a result of the supporting and coordinating role that it is was granted by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

Furthermore, the UK has been seen to play a particularly active and influential role in driving the agenda forward.

While the current balance of power struck between the EU and member states is seen to be generally appropriate, respondents warned against extending the remit of the EU much further.

Stakeholders also highlighted that sport would benefit from reduced levels of bureaucracy.

For further information about the report or EU sport and recreation affairs in general contact David Foster.