By Martin Banks - 7th July 2011
The EU cannot impose an artificial European identity on us
Emma McClarkin
MEPs are expected to back calls to fly the EU flag at sporting events held in its territory and, controversially, to have the EU emblem on national team shirts.
The proposals, to go before the culture committee next week, state that all national sports teams, including football, rugby, cricket, would be required to have the EU's blue flag with yellow stars appear on their jerseys.
The idea - condemned by the UK Tories as "simply daft" - are contained in a report on "The European dimension in sport" drafted by Spanish centre-right MEP Santiago Fisas Ayxela to be presented to parliament next week.
A commission source said the executive is keen to promote the 'European dimension' and could bring forward the idea but only with full agreement with the competent national bodies.
The Lisbon treaty gave the EU a competence over sport for the first time and the emblem proposal is parliament's response to a commission communication on sport.
If, as expected, the committee backs it, the recommendation will go back to the commission which will prepare formal legislative proposals.
The plan would then be put to a "qualified majority" vote by member states.
Speaking on the issue last year, EU culture commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, said, "The commission is well aware of the crucial role played by sport as well as of the potential sport has for forging a sense of belonging.
"The successful Ryder Cup, where a European team competes under the European flag, constitutes an illustration of the benefits that a European dimension can bring to a sport."
In a written question to the commission, the Irish Socialist MEP Nessa Childers said, "Sporting events have more potential to unite ordinary Europeans and instil a sense of pride in Europe than all the treaties, directives and regulations put together."
But UK Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin was dismissive, saying, "Sport has a special place in the UK, and our national sport teams form a key part of our identities and heritage. The EU has no business interfering in the badges worn on national team shirts - it is just another clear example of the EU vanity project at work.
"The EU cannot impose an artificial European identity on us by forcing our athletes to wear its emblem. Can you imagine Wayne Rooney or Jessica Ennis walking out into the arena sporting an EU flag on their kit? It is simply daft and, needless to say, I will be opposing the plan when it is debated in the parliament."
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