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Sport values remain timeless: uniting people and countries 

Dear readers,

The EESC took the initiative Stronger together for sport values to endorse the values enshrined in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris from the civil society perspective. The initiative put into the spotlight the work of the Committee which has always been at the forefront of promoting sport as a positive force for nurturing healthy values across all sections of society. 

Sport values remain timeless: uniting people and countries

Dear readers,

The EESC took the initiative Stronger together for sport values to endorse the values enshrined in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris from the civil society perspective. The initiative put into the spotlight the work of the Committee which has always been at the forefront of promoting sport as a positive force for nurturing healthy values across all sections of society. 

With this initiative, we would like to symbolically raise the idea of truce which was first introduced in the ancient Olympic Games in Greecedating back to the ninth century. The truce, Ekecheiria in Greek, during the celebration of the games was a period of peace among warring city states, to allow safe participation in the games for the athletes and spectators.

Nowadays, the idea of truce seems more timely than ever given the current fragile geopolitical landscape, where conflict and political turmoil rage across Europe and in other parts of the world.

Further on, we would like to endorse sport values which remain timeless. As Nelson Mandela said, sport can create hope where once there was only despair. The values we are defending have the power to change the world and unite people and countries in a way that brings peace and harmony, where respect and friendship prevail.

In this context we launched a short campaign reflecting the three original values of excellence, respect and friendship, which have evolved over the years, taking into account persons with disabilities.

Organised civil society has advocated for the spirit of building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind, requiring mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

Articles, graphics, video messages and statements from our members saw publicity on the EESC website and EESC social media platforms since the beginning of the Paris Games. The campaign went on during the Paralympics, highlighting that this great sports celebration leaves a powerful imprint on society, echoing strong messages for equal opportunities and equal treatment.

The sport values in the Paris Games resonate deeply with the European values of freedom, peace, diversity and inclusion. These values should be the guiding principles in our everyday life, where differences and conflicts should be dealt with through dialogue and mutual respect.

The EESC, the house of organised civil society, has always stood up for these values, advocating for a more inclusive, fair and cohesive society, ensuring equality of opportunities and active participation of all its members.

#Paris2024

Respectfully yours, 

Laurenţiu Plosceanu

Vice-President for Communication 

The European Economic and Social Committee, in collaboration with the Committee of the Regions, agreed to include its Van Maerlant building (VMA) in this year's edition of Heritage Days, organised by Urban Brussels, which took place on the weekend of 14 and 15 September.

The European Economic and Social Committee, in collaboration with the Committee of the Regions, agreed to include its Van Maerlant building (VMA) in this year's edition of Heritage Days, organised by Urban Brussels, which took place on the weekend of 14 and 15 September.

Visitors enjoyed guided tours of the building, in which they were be able to climb the marble steps of the rotunda to discover the original architecture from the early 1980s, the completely renovated and modernised 4th floor with its innovative and eco-friendly solutions, as well as the most recognisable part of the building – the two-storey footbridge over Rue Belliard with the renowned sculpture Le fil d'Ariane, made by Belgian sculptor Jean-Paul Laenen in 1991.

Brussels Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine/Open Monumentendagen) is a yearly event celebrating the rich history of Art Nouveau in the city. Residents and tourists alike are invited to explore various buildings across the capital, with a special focus on those usually closed to the public.

More information accessible here: European Heritage Days | European Heritage Days (cw)

The EESC:

  • highlights the importance of the digital economy for the EU economy and the benefits of interconnectivity for homes, public transport, health and personal relationships;