It’s now more important than ever to both become proactively involved in the transition to a greener outdoor sports sector as well as showcasing the value and the power of outdoor sports in the context of the European Green New Deal. The European Green Deal for the European Union (EU) and its citizens resets the Commission’s commitment to tackling climate and environmental-related challenges.

It also aims to protect, conserve and enhance the EU’s natural capital, and protect the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts. The EU aims to use its collective ability to transform its economy and society to put it on a more sustainable path. It can build on its strengths as a global leader on climate and environmental measures, consumer protection, and workers’ rights. 

The Green Deal is an integral part of this Commission’s strategy to implement the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and the sustainable development goals. As part of the Green Deal, the Commission will refocus to put sustainability and the well-being of citizens at the centre of economic policy, and the sustainable development goals at the heart of the EU’s policy making and action.

In line with this, there has been a Council decision to focus on Green Sports (EU Work Plan on Sports – Dec 2020) and Commissioner Gabriel announced the creation of an expert group on Green Sports led by the EACEA – Sport Unit. ENOS has been delighted to have been accepted as an observer into this group and are actively contributing to certain chapters of the document. The importance of the Green Deal is now significantly permeating into the sports sector.

ENOS Response to the European Green New Deal

The main aim of the European Green Deal is for Europe to be carbon neutral by the year of 2050. To achieve this the EU has highlighted nine key policy areas that will be continually developed and implemented to progress towards this goal. A number of these policy areas resonate very closely with the mission and work of ENOS while for others the link is more tenuous. Therefore the ENOS response to these policy areas varies in level of detail in accordance with its connectivity to our work.

The latest updated document can be downloaded here.

Make your voice heard!

You are welcome to comment on the document. The Outdoor Sports Green Deal paper is a consultation document produced by a working group of ENOS. The aim of this document is to allow people both inside and outside the network to give feedback on its commitments proposals and recommendations.

You can send your comments on the proposal using this form. The consultation process is open until Dec 10th