Declaration on the introduction of the programme ‘Chess in School' in the educational systems of the European Union

The European Parliament adopted a written declaration signed by 415 Members on the introduction of the programme ‘Chess in School’ in the educational systems of the European Union. Noting that chess is an accessible game for children from every social group and can help social cohesion as well as improving children's concentration, patience and persistence, Parliament calls on the Commission and Member States to encourage the introduction of the programme ‘Chess in School’ in the educational systems of the Member States.

In addition, it calls on the Commission:

• in its forthcoming communication on sport, to pay the necessary attention to the program ‘Chess in School’ and to ensure sufficient funding for it from 2012 onwards;
• to take into consideration the results of any studies on the effects of this programme on children's development.