Europe Week: Sport joins in the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to the EU

The European Parliament Office in Spain, the European Commission Representation in Spain and the Higher Sports Council are joining forces to promote European values through sport. During Europe Week (4–10 May), dozens of competitions across the country will highlight sport’s connection with Europe and the promotion of its values. As part of this, Spanish federations representing various sports will show their support for the symbols of the European Union, such as the flag and the anthem.

This year, the commemoration takes on special significance as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to the European Union on 1 January 1986, a date being marked by the ‘Since 1986’ campaign, promoted by the European institutions in Spain. LALIGA and La Vuelta Ciclista Femenina are also joining this initiative, which serves as a reminder that democracy, human rights and respect unite Europe and sport.

Players from LALIGA EA SPORTS (First Division) and LALIGA HYPERMOTION (Second Division) teams will wear captain’s armbands featuring the European Union flag during matches on matchdays 35 and 39 respectively. The European flag will also be displayed alongside the scoreboards on national and international television broadcasts during the 21 matches in the First and Second Divisions. In addition, thecommemorative advert marking the 40th anniversary ofSpain’s accession to the EU, produced by the European Institutions in Spain in collaboration with RTVE, will be broadcast on the LALIGA TV HYPERMOTION and LALIGA TV BAR channels.

The Women’s Cycling Tour is also taking part in the celebrations, and a special Europe Day commemorative jersey will be presented at the start of the penultimate stage in Gijón to the rider who has best represented the values of the European Union during the competition. MEPs Susana Solís (EPP) and Jonás Fernández (S&D) will take part in the presentation.

#SportWithEurope

Sport with Europe is an initiative by the European Parliament Office in Spain and the European Commission Representation in Spain to bring together the world of sport and the European Union as part of the Europe Day celebrations (9 May). In this way, for the second year running, the aim is to highlight the link between sport and Europe and the defence of its values.

Spanish sports federations will also be joining in this commemoration.

The Royal Spanish Automobile Federation, for example, will reinforce the message of belonging and integration at the Subida Fito and the Baja Cuenca TT, events that count towards continental championships, and will promote the celebration of Europe Day as part of the Villa Adeje Rally (CERA) and on the Costa Daurada (CERH).

There will also be special activities at the Queen’s Cup handball tournament, to be held from 8 to 10 May in San Sebastián; at the 3rd National Kayak Polo Leagues Tournament in Castellón; at the 2nd Iberdrola Promesas Archery Grand Prix at the Cantarranas Sports Complex in Madrid; at the 7th Quijotes MTBO Trophy in Villa de Ves (Albacete), the Spanish Ultrascore Rogaining MTBO Championship, organised by the Spanish Orienteering Federation. The Spanish Skating Federation, the Spanish Padel Federation and the Spanish Modern Pentathlon Federation will also be holding commemorative events.

In addition, athletes training at the High Performance Centre of the Higher Sports Council in Madrid will join in the commemorative events marking the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to the European Union.

More information: European Commission.