THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ADDRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF E-SPORTS AND VIDEOGAMES FOR EUROPE

Considering the huge economic growth of the videogame industry in recent years, the European Parliament has kickstarted the discussion on its own initiative report on "e-sport and videogames". 

The first meeting took place in the Culture and Education Committee of the European Parliament on 14 March, where the Rapporteur for the report, Ms. Farreng (Renew Group, France), briefly outlined the main objectives of the report and the timeline, whilst exchanging views with other MEPs and experts in the field.

As part of the mission to promote and protecting cultural diversity in Europe, Ms. Farreng acknowledged the phenomenon of e-sports and videogames and that it could no longer be overlooked by the EU institutions. She urged the EU to lay down the foundations for a common framework regarding videogames and e-sports. 
 
Also attending the meeting, and answering questions from the MEPs, were two experts from the Esports Research Network, working on a research paper commissioned by the Policy Department.  
 
The experts, Dr. Tobias Shulz and Nepomuk Nothelfer, clarified on the definition of e-sports, the status quo, the opportunities and challenges presented, and the importance of separating sports from e-sports, from a strategical and legislative viewpoint. 

A representative from the European Commission then announced that the Commission is currently working on a study on the value of videogames in Europe, which will be finalised in early 2023.  

The Rapporteur concluded the meeting by emphasizing the need to regulate this sector with a common framework in the EU and recognized the potential of these activities, calling for more EU funding in studies and research in development.

The EOC EU Office will follow the developments on this file.