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EPC holds conference in Bollnäs, Sweden, to discuss its future relations with the European Union.

27 participants, representing 10 European countries and 7 international organisations (*) attended a conference organised by the EPC on 26 – 27 April 2003 to discuss future relations with the European Union and other European Institutions. This Conference on EU related matters was once again hosted by Bollnäs, Sweden, which has also lend its name to two earlier agreements reached by NPCs from EU member states, in the year 2000 and 2001.

In his opening statements the EPC President, Dr. Price, identified three goals for the Conference, namely to exchange information, to provide opportunities for discussion, and to use the experience of the past and the present which will enable to determine policies and a strategy for the future.

(*) Conference attendees represented: NPCs from Azerbaijan, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, IPC, IBSA Europe, INAS-FID, EDF, EU Sports Unit, EU-office of German Sports.

Past achievements and present influencing opportunities.
Mr. Lindström, former EPC President, was invited to explain some of the past achievements, with particular emphasis on the importance of the aims and strategies as defined in the two earlier “Bollnäs Agreements”. These had led to the creation of an “NPC Troika”, which in the course of the years 2000 and 2001 has successfully influenced and obtained the inclusion of sport for people with a disability on the political agenda of the EU institutions. In closing his presentation, Mr. Lindström touched upon current challenges, what roads there are to influence and what key principles should be used for that purpose, thereby stressing the importance of personal networking, ensuring continuity and co-ordination of activities. Vital to that process is that first realistic aims are set, which are mutually agreed on. Reference was made to the growing EU, which has placed equal opportunities for its citizens high on the agenda, and to the new structures that are presently being defined by the Convention. The question that now needs to be answered is how the NPCs from EU member states and the EPC can best co-ordinate their efforts and provide the expertise the Commission would require to develop a policy and strategy that will lead to equal opportunities for European citizens with disabilities to practice sport.

Current successes and challenges.
Mr. Enrique Sanchez, EPC Secretary General, indicated that most of the aims and strategies of the Bollnäs agreements are still valid; it is still what EPC is working for today. EPC has to adapt its activities to the changing situation and create partnerships that can assist in achieving the aims. Partnership is needed with two different types of target groups, namely the social organisations (related to disability, such as EDF) and the sports organisations (such as EU Sports Forum, EOC, ENGSO)
Mr. Sanchez provided information on a number of lobbying actions recently undertaken:

European Disability Forum (EDF)
The Conference received detailed information on the agreement between IPC/EPC and the European Disability Forum (EDF). With the signing of the agreement only the first phase of a long lasting future co-operation is completed. A co-ordination Committee will further be established to jointly undertake concrete actions. Mr. Philippe Tzou, EDF representative, explained the structure, functioning and lastly the objective of EDF: to represent the human rights of people with a disability at European level; the underpinning principle being “Nothing about disabled people, without disabled people”. Mr Tzou stressed the importance for the NPCs to work together with the National Disability Councils in order to achieve the objectives on the legislative level in each of the countries.

The place that Sports takes within the European Commission
Conference participants all agreed that the presentation made by Ms. Pat Lambert, representative of the EU Sport Unit, was highly interesting. She explained the structures of the Commission with its various Directorate Generals (DGs) and in particular the DG Education and Culture with its Sport Unit. Ms. Lambert also provided a comprehensive overview of the history on how the policy on sport developed within the European Union’s various political institutions and of the Community action in the field of non-discrimination. Although Sport is not included in the Treaty, all DGs can take into account Sport, and in particular Sport for People with a Disability, into the various aspects of their responsibilities. Within all mainstream Community Actions there is a scope for disabled citizens and for women. Ms. Lambert indicated that the signing of the agreement with EDF is an important step in the process of combining the sports related aspects with the social, more disability related aspects. Information was further provided on the place Sport for Disabled takes in the projects : “2003 European Year of People with Disabilities” and on the objectives of the “2004 European Year of Education through Sport”.

EU financial support for Sports for Disabled and influencing the decision making process
The presentation made by Ms. Britta Jahnke of the EU-office of German Sports in Brussels offered an opportunity to identify some of the currently existing EU funding possibilities. She explained the general principles that apply for EU funding. Sport is considered as a tool to achieve the aims of the different programmes, such as: youth, health, education, communication, information, regional policy etc.
Extensive information was provided on the Community Action Programme to combat discrimination and how this could relate to other programmes planned until the year 2006. Ms. Jahnke explained the functioning of the EU-Office of German Sport, its main task being to represent the sports interests at EU institutions. The importance was stressed for the Paralympic movement to increase its lobbying and become a “player” in the dialogue with the various EU institutions.

EPC and its EU relations as part of IPC’s Global Strategy
Mr. Xavier Gonzalez, IPC COO and Paralympic Games Liaison Director, referred to the Strategic Review presently being conducted by the IPC, which will allow the organisation to adjust itself to the new challenges and developments in the Paralympic Movement. Mr. Gonzalez provided a summary of the key elements that will lead to a revised structure for the IPC and indicated that all discussions during this conference has to be seen in the context of those future changes. The outcome of the discussions on the future role of IPC, the process of self-determination of the Sports when developing into autonomous organisations, the role of the Regional Committees and their possible membership of the IPC General Assembly will certainly have an impact when deciding on the future strategies for EPC. One of the key elements of the IPC’s strategy is to develop a fundraising programme and to bring the resources to the different levels of the organisation. However, the IPC cannot provide all of the funds to each of its stakeholders from the top down; the movement has to open up to the rest of the world and find on a global basis, external partners with common goals. IPC wishes to provide its members with tools that allow a better access to resources on national and regional level. Therefore, the creation of partnerships with organisations such as the EU to assist in that process is of vital importance. The responsibility for establishing a structured long-term relationship belongs to the EPC. However, co-ordination with IPC is needed to ensure compliance with the broader agenda. IPC sees the relation between EPC and the EU as a part of its global agenda and will where possible, support these activities. A meeting between IPC and EPC is planned to discuss such long term strategies. For the short term, three aspects were identified that require immediate attention:

  1. Ensuring increased TV coverage to raise awareness of the Paralympic Games while taking place in Europe in 2004 and 2006.
  2. Pilot project developed by the IPC Sports Science and Education Committee at the occasion of 2004 the European Year of Education through Sport; educational package developed by ATHOC to be extended and used across Europe.
  3. Launching an initiative with the NPCs to ensure that the Paralympic Games in 2004 and in 2006 are used as a showcase and the maximum number of national authorities and decision makers of EU policies can attend the Paralympic Games.

Key messages from the Conference Workshops
Three different workshops were held, each discussed by three working groups. The nine reports on the findings of the workshops were presented in a plenary session and the conclusions are summarised below. In his closing remarks Dr. Price indicated that the key messages from this conference would be studied by the EPC Executive Committee and incorporated into the EPC’s Operation Plan. The Bollnäs Agreement will be reviewed and updated in the light of the Conference recommendations and conclusions and will be presented to the EPC General Assembly for further discussion.

Workshop I – Policies and Strategies

  1. Increasing the level of knowledge on EU through EPC Conferences. A suggestion was to have annual conferences in connection to the European Sports Forum.
  2. Agreeing on joint aims, policies, and strategies in order to speak with one voice in EU relations.
  3. Building up long term relations with the EU, thereby offering our expertise which will increase the knowledge and understanding on the Paralympic Movement in EU institutions and decision making bodies.
  4. Strengthen and formalise relations between EPC and EU-Office of German Sports in Brussels (explore possibilities for expanded/increases co-operation)
  5. Recognition that establishing good relations with EU are of interest globally and are of benefit to the entire Paralympic Movement, including IPC and all its stakeholders. Therefore, IPC has a role to play in the process.
  6. Unanimous opinion that professional IPC/EPC staff is needed for the co-ordination of the work with the EU. Political leadership and supervision belongs to the EPC.
  7. Recognition that many opportunities for support are already existing, which are not only related to the Sports Unit Programmes but also within other Community Programmes. However, identifying those opportunities and apply them is a complex and time consuming matter which requires in-depth knowledge.
  8. Establish personal relations with relevant bodies on European level and secure continuity in such relations (EU, ENGO, EOC,EDF, etc)
  9. In view of the possibilities of NPCs to influence national governments, the NPC Troika system should be upheld and activated. In view of the expected changes in the EU rotating Presidency model, the NPC Troika system should also be adapted accordingly.
  10. Main objective of the Paralympic Movement in relation to the EU is “to provide good and equal opportunities in sport for people with disabilities in the EU”.
  11. With reference to the EOC and ENGSO policy, the Paralympic movement should continue supporting the inclusion of Sport in the competencies of the EU.
  12. The Conference supports the aim to achieve a Council of Ministers Resolution on sport for people with a disability.
  13. The European Commission should encourage and fund initiatives by the Paralympic Movement to identify policies on mainstreaming and integration in sports, and subsequently support and fund Community actions for implementation.
  14. Explore possibilities for EU funding of programmes in developing countries.
  15. On the question what arguments should be used for the EU to respond more favourably to the demands of Paralympic Sport, it was concluded that the initial statements listed in the Bollnäs agreement are still valid for use.

Workshop II – Partnerships

  1. Establishing partnerships with both sports oriented organisations as well as social (disability) oriented organisations is equally important.
  2. EPC to establish partnerships with all such organisations that can help achieving the aims and raise awareness of the Paralympic Movement in Europe. EPC should analyse the needs of the NPCs and respond to those needs by approaching the respective European or International organisation.
    For example:
    1. To improve partnerships for NPCs on national level (NOC, national sports federations), partnerships between EPC and European or International Sports Organisations are essential (EOC,ENGSO,UEFA, etc..)
    2. To achieve increased media coverage of Paralympic Sport, establish contacts with EBU and other Media Organisations.
    3. To explore possibilities on development, collaboration and networking, establish partnerships with European Disability Organisations / European Sports Organisations for specific disabilities (EDF, SOEE, EDSO, EBU)
  3. Partnership is needed with various European political institutions and organisations to influence on the decision making process (EU, Council of Europe, European Youth Forum, WHO, UNESCO,etc)
  4. Partnership is needed with Science and Education organisations (ICSSPE, University & school organisations,etc)
  5. Partnerships would be valuable with organising committees of mainstream sports championships taking place in Europe to achieve some type of inclusion and for raising awareness of Paralympic Sport. One group also strongly recommended that the disabled sports movement should follow the able-bodied championships cycle.
  6. Explore possibilities for partnerships with the Sporting Industry (technical aid and sports equipment)

Workshop III – Influencing decision makers

  1. It was reiterated that there is a strong need to increase the knowledge of NPCs in EU matters; an education programme is needed so that personal networks are not only used to approach national governments but also to influence the international policy makers.
  2. In addition to EPC providing education and information to the NPCs on EU matters, one group felt that also every nation should have a professional full time position paid by the highest National Sport Authority in sport, to disseminate information to the various national organisations and lobby towards the respective EU institutions on their behalf (= one person responsible both for sports for able-bodied and disabled citizens). Another group strongly recommended that every NPC should identify within their own organisation one person responsible for EU matters related to sports for people with disabilities.
  3. Recognition that there are different levels of influencing:
    1. For General Policies (e.g. sports to be included in Treaty) : on this level, EPC/IPC should co-ordinate with other major organisations such as IOC, EOC, ENGSO, EDF, EDSO,SOOE,etc.
    2. For specific aims, strategies for the Paralympic Movement : influence on this level to be done by EPC/NPCs on National Governments, EU Steering Committee Sports, European Sports Forum, etc.
    3. For concrete Community Actions/projects : EPC/ NPCs to lobby through their personal networks for the inclusion of persons with disabilities as target group in e.g. call for proposals; this to ensure suitable projects for the movement.

 

Points noted from plenary presentations/discussions that require action or further exploration:

  1. Budget line “special events” (used for funding Special Olympic Games in Ireland) is still available. Explore possibilities for Paralympic Games.
  2. Obtain detailed data of EU studies such as “Eurobarometer on disabilities” and use to show public interest when approaching media and politicians.
  3. Provide to EDF expertise on sport, and approach actively the MEP inter-group on disability to take into account sport.
  4. Submit Council Resolution to Italian Presidency
  5. Obtain Consultative Status with Council of Europe.
  6. Encourage NPCs to attend European Sports Forum and combine with extra day seminar for NPCs on EU matters.
  7. Organise a visit for the NPCs to Brussels, involving speakers from various DGs (suggestion made by Pat Lambert)
  8. Support IPC Sports Science and Education Committee application for EU funding in connection to 2004 the European Year of Education through Sport (2004 EYES) and encourage NPCs to contact the national agency responsible for the co-ordination and selection of national projects. The Call for Proposals will be published in the next coupe of weeks on the EU Sports Unit website. There will only be ONE Call for Proposals but there will be 3 different dates to submit the application; these dates are not yet set but will be depending on the dates the project is intended to start (first projects could already start in September 2003). For the first time also the enlargement countries will be included, which means projects can involve 25 countries. In addition to the community wide projects, which will be selected by the Commission there will also be possibilities for NPCs to apply for national/local/regional/ trans-national projects through the national agencies which will be responsible for the coordination and selection of projects in each of the Member States. (lists available on website). A specific website for 2004 EYES is under construction.
  9. Establish contacts with the Permanent Representative of each of the Member States in Brussels (they prepare the Council of Ministers) (listed on website)
  10. NPCs to establish contacts with the Bureau of the Commission in each Member State (will in many cases also act as agency for co-ordination and selection of national projects 2004 EYES) (listed on website)
  11. Explore possibilities for funding through the various DGs programmes such as
    o Joint action of Leonardo, Socrates, and Youth Programmes with a call for proposals just being published (deadline 15 june) with theme on 2003 EYPD and "use sport as a means"
    1. INTERREG III “people to people” projects
  12. “TV without frontiers” : ensure Paralympic Games are included on the list of protected events (= no exclusivity for commercial TV, which indirectly is a recommendation to the public TV channels to cover Paralympic Sport). This is a responsibility that belongs to each of the Member States; it is not within the competencies of the Commission. NPCs should be encouraged to contact the national authorities and ensure Paralympic Sport/Games is included on the protected list of events. EPC to explore how to obtain invitation to future hearings organized by the Commission on TV without frontiers.
  13. Ensure parallel lobbying takes place within the various levels of decision making process i.e.:
    1. By IPC/EPC:
      1. Council of Ministers (not institutionalised for sports as sport is not included in competencies but through informal sports ministers meetings)
      2. European Commission (DG Education and Culture, Sport Unit, DG Social Affairs and Employment..)
      3. European Parliament (Committee for Culture, Youth,…)
    2. By NPCs :
      1. Respective National Ministers, MEPs, and other relevant politicians.

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