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Samardzic-Markovic opens seminar “Effect of European Legislation on Sports”

Belgrade, 16 July 2007

Serbian Minister of Youth and Sports Snezana Samardzic-Markovic opened today the seminar “Effect of European Legislation on Sports”, which is being organised by the ministry and the European Commission.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Youth and Sports this is the first of the several meetings which the Ministry of Youth and Sports will hold with representatives of the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) unit of the EU which provides short term technical help in harmonising national legislation with the EU, as well as practical implementation of aligned regulations.

Samardzic-Markovic said on the occasion that from the beginning of democratic changes in society two of the biggest problems confronting Serbian sports ogranisations were changes in the structure of sports from the state system of organisation in sports to the decentralised, non-governmental principle of organisation, and the harmonisation of rules of organisation in the area of sports with EU regulations.

She pointed to the fact that the Ministry of Youth and Sports is pleased with the responsibility entrusted to it for conducting activities for harmonising the system of sports in Serbia with the European model which is part of Serbia’s preparation for joining the EU.

The goal of these activities is an analysis of European experience connected to sports law and sports science, establishment of necessary measures, as well as deadlines in which these measures should be implemented, explained Samardzic-Markovic.

According to Samardzic-Markovic, the goal of activities is to conceive a model of sports in accordance with the European one, including clear division of jurisdiction and levels of decision-making and responsibility, and also the establishment of short term and long term priorities in sports.

The Minister said that regarding such questions, the EU will provide help through informing the state institutions and other organisations, such as various sports federations which will participate in drafting legislation.

She recalled that the adoption of a national strategy for development of sports and the law on sports are in preparation, and will be based on European principles.

Representatives of the Serbian Sports Federation, the Vojvodina Secretariat for Sports and Youth, the Serbian Olympics Committee and the Serbian University Sports Federation are taking part in the seminar.