engleski

EU cohesion and sport policy - current state and perspectives

The social and economic dimension of sport is becoming increasingly important in the European economy and the Member States’ economies. Also, the role of sport activities in the implementation of the Cohesion Policy is constantly increasing. Nevertheless, this topic is still scientifically modestly explored at the EU level, which represents the theoretical justification of the conducted research. The conducted research aims to present the theoretical and legal basis of EU Cohesion and Sport policies, to analyze key indicators of sport development at the EU level and to determine the effects of the Cohesion Policy on the development of sports in the EU. The purpose of the research is to identify scientifically based challenges and perspectives for the future development of sports in the EU. The research is based on secondary data mostly collected using the Eurostat statistical database. The results indicate that most of the observed EU Member States maintain stable levels of public investments in the field of sports. Such an orientation has contributed to the increase of employment in this area, which is especially evident in the less developed EU Member States. Also, the positive effects of sport development are present in the case of the most vulnerable groups, i.e. women and the young population. The future development of sports in the EU is largely subject to current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the growing needs for protection of health and the fight against doping. Also, future development of the European sport should be focused towards its connection and synergies with other economic sectors such as tourism, education and the health system.

European Union, Cohesion Policy, Sport Policy

Rad je objavljen u sklopu znanstvenog projekta "Ulaganje u istraživanje i razvoj i konkurentnost Republike Hrvatske i zemalja zapadnoga Balkana" (ZP- UNIRI 4/19)