UEFA and the European Commission join forces for sustainability

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A new agreement has been signed to further sustainable development at Europe’s football grounds, sports facilities and stadiums.

UEFA, football’s governing body in Europe, and the European Commission have signed an agreement in Brussels this week that will see the two cooperate on issues around sustainability, fair competition, good governance and integrity within the game.

First Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans said: "Football players, men and women, are role models for children and adults across Europe. This great power can be an important ally…for the promotion of solidarity, sustainability and equality on the pitch and in our daily lives”.

The agreement commits both sides to seek how stronger links can be made between sport and sustainable development by “following best practices in areas of recycling, eco-innovation and waste-management”.

This also includes the efficient use of resources to reduce environmental impacts as a result of events and tournaments. Both sides are also looking to upgrade sports facilities and stadiums to be “innovative, accessible and sustainable”, which in turn promotes public health and social inclusion.

The two will also work together on the upcoming EURO 2020 tournament, which will be the first championship to be played across the whole of Europe to mark its 60th anniversary. The event will be played across 12 cities and include a suite of new sustainability initiatives, such as cutting out plastic waste and making host stadiums buy renewable energy.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said at the ceremony: “UEFA and the European Commission share a common desire to promote the social values of sport and to safeguard the principles of fairness and solidarity”

“We look forward to working closely with the Commission to further protect, promote and develop football for the benefit of society as a whole”, he added.

UEFA also has an ongoing agreement with the World Wildlife Fund to work on climate change and sustainability issues within the game.

 

Photo: European Commission