On the 15 and 16 of May 2023, the Council of the EU gathered in its formation “Education, Youth, Culture and Sport” to discuss, among other topics, the respect for human rights in international sports events, the inclusion of young people in EU societies, and importance of reading for learning, equity and active participation in society.
During the Youth session of the Council, on the 15 of May, the Youth Ministers approved the Council Conclusions on the social dimension of a sustainable Europe for Youth, which recognises Young People’s calls for an increased focus on mental health and organised sports activities.
The recognition of the importance of sport for European Youth comes after the successful implementation of the European Year of Youth 2022, where Young People highlighted the importance of Sport and physical activity in their daily lives to maintain a healthy lifestyle and promote physical and mental health and well-being.
ENGSO Youth welcomes the recently approved Council Conclusions on the social dimension of a sustainable Europe for Youth and is delighted to see a growing recognition of the importance of Sport for Youth, something that we have been advocating for since our inception two decades ago, in 2002. Our Policy Paper on Mental Health and Youth Sport highlights precisely the important social role of sport clubs, associations and youth organisations in providing physical and mental health support to young people and the general population, therefore fostering healthier and stronger communities.
These recent developments show the increased importance of ENGSO Youth’s mission in giving Youth a real say in Sport and highlight the unique role of Sport in ensuring safe spaces for young people’s participation in society (see also Eurobarometer on Youth and Democracy in the European Year of Youth) and promoting physical and mental health and well-being.
It is essential that young people are able to exercise their right to democratic participation and to have their voices heard on decisions that will shape their present and future, including in Sport. ENGSO Youth calls on Member States and the European Commission to follow-up on Young People’s call for more organised sport activities.
You can read more about the Council Conclusions on the social dimension of a sustainable Europe for Youth here.