Within the framework of the European Year of Volunteering and the EU Hungarian Presidency, the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions held an extraordinary meeting entitled "Cities and Regions Promoting Sport and Active Citizenship for Social Cohesion in Europe" in Gödöllő, Hungary on 3 March 2011. The EPP Group firmly believes that sport and active citizenship can improve the quality of life for citizens. As highlighted by Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions, “not only do these sectors build bridges for social cohesion, but they also contribute to the economy. I therefore see the potential of sport and volunteering in reaching the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, and recall that ownership of the strategy must be improved through appropriate involvement of local and regional authorities, as key drivers for its successful implementation". The members of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions gathered at this meeting explored how volunteering contributes to the development of economic and social cohesion in Europe and how sport as an essential instrument for active citizenship engages citizens in societal challenges. The meeting aimed to demonstrate the added value or local and regional commitment in promoting such voluntary activities through all levels of education ultimately allowing pupils to develop into responsible, principled citizens. I In his role as host, György Gémesi, Mayor of Gödöllő and President of the National Sports Association, stressed the benefits of sport, which “contributes to social cohesion and inclusion by breaking down social barriers, and also has positive effects on public health, civic education and training, and even regional development". Referring to the Gödöllő ‘city of sport’ which encourages sports activities by providing adequate infrastructure and introducing daily sports activity in schools, the Mayor suggested that cities and regions throughout Europe follow the same steps. Speakers included Miklós Soltész and Attila Czene, Hungarian Ministers of State for Social Policy and Sport respectively, Santiago Fisas Ayxela and Zoltán Bagó, Members of the European Parliament, Mary Davis, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia. A video message from Commission Vice President Viviane Reding also featured on the programme. At the end of the meeting the EPP group unanimously adopted its declaration on Cities and Regions promoting sport and active citizenship for social cohesion in Europe. Gödöllő Declaration