1.12.2010   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 324/18

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the Council adopted Conclusions on 4 December 2000 (which these conclusions supplement) on combating doping (1) setting out the need for the European Community and Member States coordination, within a reasonable time before each meeting of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), to be organised under the responsibility of the Presidency,

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following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty (2) on 1 December 2009, the European Union acquired a competence in the area of sport allowing the Union to carry out actions to support, coordinate or supplement the actions of the Member States to contribute to the promotion of European sporting issues, while taking account of the specific nature of sport, its structures based on voluntary activity and its social and educational function. Consequently, the European dimension in sport is to be developed by promoting fairness and openness in sporting competitions and cooperation between bodies responsible for sports, and by protecting the physical and moral integrity of sportsmen and sportswomen, especially the youngest sportsmen and sportswomen. Cooperation with third countries and competent international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe, shall be fostered;

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some of the issues dealt with by WADA fall within the EU sphere of competence whilst others are the responsibility of the Member States,

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given that WADA is structured on a continental basis, close cooperation with the Council of Europe is necessary with a view to having a common understanding on all items of European interest,

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ensuring that the views of the EU and its Member States are given due weight in WADA deliberations is of a crucial importance,

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where appropriate, e.g. in the light of the EU acquis and the duty of sincere cooperation, EU and Member State positions shall be coordinated, under the responsibility of the Presidency, in good time and in efficient manner prior to meetings within WADA.