Stopping gender-based violence and developing a European sports model were among the key topics discussed at the meeting of the Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) on June 21.
Members discussed the opinion Stopping gender-based violence – cities and regions leading the way. Emma Blaine, Councillor Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County and EPP-CoR SEDEC Coordinator said "As politicians, it is important that we not only work with community groups when establishing services and domestic violence shelters, but that we show leadership in protecting the most vulnerable in society.”
SEDEC members echoed positively how sports have been slowly undergoing social changes by promoting physical and mental health and acting as a vehicle for inclusion, helping younger generations see no difference in gender, race, religion, or any other aspect limiting these social activities. Roberto Pella (IT/EPP), Mayor of the Municipality of Valdengo and rapporteur for the opinion on 'Building a values-based, bottom-up European sports model: a vehicle for encouraging inclusion and social wellbeing among young Europeans', emphasised how “sport must be recognised as an instrument to strengthen local communities, in which the social and economic (including employment) factors are not disjointed or considered secondary factors but characteristic elements of a new European sports model. Sport is a social backbone for our communities. It is from the EU and its territories that a new European sports model that can promote inclusion and active participation must be born".
The SEDEC members also participated in a debate on the importance of youth participation and on the legacy of the European Year of Youth 2022, with María Rodríguez Alcázar, President of the European Youth Forum, who underlined: “on the face of the upcoming European Parliament elections, we count on your support, decision makers at the local and regional level, to be the champions for youth participation and commit to implement the Charter for Youth and Democracy in all the corners of Europe, recommendation by recommendation".
Introducing the debate, Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), Chair of the SEDEC Commission, stressed: “We need to create a more youth-friendly democratic space and ensure that the voices of young people are formally and continuously represented at all levels of government. In this context, I would like to highlight one of the proposals from the Charter for Youth and Democracy, also included in the Conclusions of the Future of Europe - process, notably that of setting up local and regional youth councils and enhancing engagement with such councils at national, regional and local youth level."
Finally, a presentation of InvestEU by a representative of the EC DG employment showcased funding opportunities in the field of social infrastructure.
To rewatch the SEDEC commission meeting, click here.