About EPAS

The Council of Europe, through its Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS), plays a pivotal role in promoting good governance and values-based sport across its member states. EPAS is dedicated to enhancing the standard of sports governance by fostering human rights, democratic principles, transparency and integrity in sports.

EPAS provides a platform for intergovernmental co-operation and facilitates dialogue between public authorities, sports organisations and NGOs. EPAS puts its know-how at their disposal to help them develop their policies and practices with the aim of making sport more ethical, more inclusive and safer.

EPAS was set up in 2007 to give fresh momentum to international co-operation in sports policies; to address the current challenges facing sport; and to ensure that sport thrives and is governed to meet high standards.

EPAS currently counts 41 member states in its Governing Board and 30 sports organisations and NGOs in its Consultative Committee, which compose a unique forum of sports stakeholders.

EPAS membership is a label of excellence for its member countries, delivering sports policy content and building their capacities in sport related practices.

EPAS supports member states and sports organisations in implementing the European Sports Charter, which provides a framework for the ethical and effective management of sports activities. This Charter which serves as cornerstone of sport policies notably emphasises the importance of inclusive and participatory decision-making processes that balance the social, educational, and economic dimensions of sport.

Good governance in sport, as advocated by the Council of Europe, extends beyond legal compliance to include the establishment of a culture of ethics and integrity. Initiatives like the International Partnership Against Corruption in Sport (IPACS) provide benchmarks and guidelines for sports organisations to enhance their governance structures, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness.

By promoting these principles, the Council of Europe and EPAS aim to safeguard sport as a common resource that contributes positively to society, ensuring its sustainability and integrity for future generations.