2010-10-27T12:07:15Z https://www.taurillon.org/Androulla-Vassiliou-on-Sport#comment8696 2010-10-27T12:07:15Z

<p>It is disappointing to see one key stake in the EU sport policy completely ignored. Sport is a major factor in building common or different national identities.</p> <p>This is the reason why movements for regional independence in Europe fight to have « national » teams (Catalonia and Scotland for instance).</p> <p>How disappointing to spend so much time thinking of an EU sport policy without even considering sport as an ingredient to foster a European identity by organising competitions where Europeans fight under the same flag.</p> <p>It is not even as it was a preposterous dream. The Ryder Cup (not mentionned here !) which was held this year early October shows how successful such a competition can be. People waving the European flag, and singing « Eu-rope »... and it was in Great Britain !</p> <p>Many things can be done to repeat the example of the Ryder Cup. Just two very practical suggestions : <br><span class="spip-puce ltr"><b>–</b></span> Other continental competitions exists, unfortunately often under the radar. The Commission should care about them and grant some subsidy to the European team if they wear the European flag. The IAAF Continental Cup of athletics saw Europe win this year at Split with little media coverage and without even wearing the European flag. <br><span class="spip-puce ltr"><b>–</b></span> Matches of the « Europe XI » (who last played in 2007 at Old Trafford) team should be made more regular even if they are only in a friendly format. The team should wear the European flag and play countries instead of clubs or « World XI » teams. A Europe vs Brazil, or Europe vs Argentina could be organised with the anthem and the flag being used for Europe and the opposition. These are practical step to create a shared identity via sport in Europe.</p> <p>It seems to me that for the moment the Commissioner can't see the forest for the trees...</p>