EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ISSUES DRAFT REPORT ON E-SPORT AND VIDEOGAMES

The European Parliament, specifically through its Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) has issued a draft report on E-sport and videogames with the rapporteur for the report, Ms. Farreng (Renew Group, France), articulating the significance of e-sport and videogames to the European Union. 
 
In the draft report, the EP acknowledges the overall contribution of e-sports and videogames to the economic capacity of the EU through its creation of employment opportunities, along with its inclusion of women, either in jobs created or as video game players themselves. In addition, e-sport and videogames are considered by the EP as a vital cog to European culture, as well as being highly resistant to external shocks such as that caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
Ms. Farreng also maps the catalogue of challenges and opportunities facing e-sport and videogames, along with the corresponding EU level strategies to address some of the challenges e-sport actors face at the local, regional and national level. Among some of the challenges outlined is the lack of funding which goes hand in hand with the Commission and the Council's lack of formal acknowledgment with regard to the value of the videogame and e-sport ecosystem. 
 
The existence of fundamental distinctions between e-sport and traditional sport was also drawn, while also acknowledging their complementarity. The European Commission is urged by the Parliament to utilize the opportunities presented by e-sport competitions to promote European values, while also navigating the delicate balance between promoting e-sport and videogames, with promoting them as part of healthy lifestyles, including physical activity. 
 
The EOC EU Office will keep you posted on the development of this draft report and will articulate the views of organised sport to the MEPs.