Sport: safeguarding current structures, maintening social function. Helsinki report

In her speech following the debate on the social dimension of sport, Ms. Viviane REDING, on behalf of the European Commission, agreed with the proposals and suggestions made by the Members, but stressed that it was no longer simply an ethical problem but, first and foremost, a problem of public health. The Commission's action must firstly consist in gathering opinions of experts, then involving itself in the world conference on doping in sport, and, lastly, harmonising Community actions in the various fields, in particular health and research. No action would be feasible without the support of the Member States and without dialogue with the sports federations, whether at national, EU or world level. She affirmed that the reports that had been presented by the European parliament would serve as vital leads to Community action in the future. She also announced her wish to organise a European Year of Sport in 2004.�