Programme of the Luxembourg Presidency

On 1 July, Luxembourg took over the Presidency of the EU Council until the end of December 2015.

With regard to sport policy itself, the Presidency will focus on:

• Promotion of physical and motor skills. The Presidency will in particular aim at the age of early childhood.
• Dual career training. The previous work on the issue will be developed.
• Representation of the EU within the World Anti-Doping Agency. The Presidency will assess the future coordination.
• Sport-related professions. Their impact on the economy will be addressed.

A general objective related to sport will be the promotion of social inclusion and fight against radicalisation of young people within societies.

Other points relevant for sport are the following:

• Readjustment of Europe 2020 Strategy with priorities in education, training and qualifications.
• Promotion of gender equality at all levels and further efforts to adopt the proposal for a Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment
  of persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
• Acceleration of work on recasting the EU Visa Code and introducing a travel visa.
• Finalisation of the EU data protection reform with the aim to conclude the matter before the end of the year.
• Promotion of initiatives with a view to implementing a genuine Digital Single Market and removing barriers to cross-border digital trade.
• Follow up on reflections on modernising copyright.
• Advancement of discussions on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
• Promotion of sustainable economic development including transition towards a green economy, review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and protection of forests.
• Update of the European Neighbourhood Policy on the basis of a Commission communication