The European Commission and the French Presidency organised the most important annual event in the European sport sector in Lille (France) on 16th and 17th of June. During two days, sports stakeholders from around Europe shared their views on the future of sport policy in Europe.
EU Athletes has participated actively in the discussion, with our Vice-President, Natalia Orive, participating in a panel discussion on athletes empowerment on the second day of the Forum.
“If you’re not bargaining, your begging” Natalia Orive, EU athletes Vice-president.
During her presentation she highlighted the importance of independent athletes association in the decision making processes as a way to improve the governance of sport organisation and empower athletes:
“We have seen some progress in the recent year but the situation is still not ideal. The Covid pandemic is a clear indicator of athletes’ empowerment. In a lot of sports and countries basics health and safety measures were not even discussed with players. In 2022 it’s not acceptable anymore” and she added “EU Athletes has long been striving to ensure that the athletes we represent enjoy the same fundamental rights as any other European citizen and worker. This includes the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, which together lay the foundation for athlete empowerment”.