International Conference. Promotion and implementation of the Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions

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1 Strasbourg, 18 December 2014 Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) International Conference Promotion and implementation of the Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions organised by EPAS in co-operation with the Ministry of Culture of Norway 17 March 2015, 13:00-18:00 18 March 2015, 09:00-13:00 Comfort Hotel Runway - Oslo Airport Hans Gaarderveg 27 NO 2060 Gardermoen Norway Factsheet Organisers The Council of Europe Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) in co-operation with the Ministry of Culture of Norway. Background The opening for signature of the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions on 18 September 2014 concluded a two-year process of preparing the Convention, following the mandate given to the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport by the Committee of Ministers on 13 June The number of signatories is expected to keep growing; in parallel, the Convention should be ratified and implemented in the signatory countries.

2 2 The secretariat of the Convention will be established for the entry into force of the Convention. In the meantime, EPAS has been entrusted with the task of promoting the Convention and taking some preparatory steps to facilitate a quick and effective start by the Convention Follow-up Committee. For this purpose, EPAS intends to continue co-operation with the experts who were involved in the Convention s Drafting Group. Aim Facilitate the quick and effective implementation of the Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions Objectives 1. To provide information on the on-going progress of signatures and ratifications, to identify possible obstacles that may be addressed at international level and to propose measures to promote signatures and ratifications the Convention beyond Europe. 2. To identify how relevant authorities and other stakeholders can contribute to implementing the Convention. This includes presentation of issues and practices of states preparing the implementation of the Convention, as well as stakeholders expectations from each other in implementing the Convention. For instance, the setting-up of National Platforms will be a particular point to address in this context. 3. To clarify the standards to be adopted by the Convention Follow-up Committee, as well as principles and possible steps to prepare drafts. Programme elements and methodology The programme will include presentations by experts, critical input from top practitioners and discussions with the participants. The event will be organised around three themes: 1. Signatures, ratifications and promotion of the Convention 2. Implementation and co-operation with stakeholders 3. Convention Follow-up Committee (tbc) In-depth exchanges of experience will take place in breakout groups. Outcomes A summary on the conclusions on each topic will be published in English and French and submitted to the EPAS Governing Board, as a guide to the next steps regarding the setting up of the Convention Follow-up Committee. Date and venue 17 March 2015, 13:00-18:00 18 March 2015, 09:00-13:00 Comfort Hotel Runway - Oslo Airport Hans Gaarderveg 27 NO 2060 Gardermoen Norway

3 3 Working languages English and French (interpretation provided) Preliminary Programme 17 March 11:30 Registration of the participants and lunch 13:00 Opening session 18 March 1. Signatures, ratifications and promotion of the Convention The session will give a general presentation on on-going initiatives to promote the convention. 2. Implementation steps and co-operation with other stakeholders The session will focus on the on-going steps to implement the Convention. Governmental representatives will present issues and solutions under consideration, while other stakeholders will present how they can assist state parties in implementing the Convention. This includes identifying what they expect from, and how they can co-operate with other stakeholders in implementing the Convention. Focus on ways to share responsibilities and the setting-up of the national platforms. Evening meal Implementation steps and co-operation with other stakeholders Continuation of the Session on Implementation and co-operation Focus on co-operation with law enforcement authorities and exchange of information Coffee break 3. Convention follow-up Committee Speakers will present what is at stake with the preparation of various sub-standards referred to in the Convention and to be adopted by the Convention Follow-up Committee. The Conference will make proposals on further work to be performed to facilitate the task of the Convention Follow-up Committee. The discussion may also identify other issues that should be addressed via recommendations of the CFC, and request preparatory work. Conclusions and Closing of the Conference 13:00 End (lunch and departure) Participants The conference will bring together up to 150 participants representing public authorities as well as sports organisations involved in legal issues:

4 4 - Officials from Sports Ministries - Officials from Justice and law enforcement authorities - Betting Regulatory Authorities Direct invitations will be sent to - Former members of the drafting group - Delegates of the EPAS Governing Board (or Sports Directors for non-epas members) - Permanent Representations of CoE member states and observer countries to the Council of Europe as well as other countries invited to sign the Convention. - Members of the CoE Network of National Regulators of the sports betting market - Members of the Preparatory Consultative Meetings involving the sports movement and the betting operators, held during the course of the convention negotiation Terms of participation - Participation in the conference is free of charge. - Lunches both days and dinner on 17 March will be offered to the participants - Travel and accommodation costs are at the participants own expense. Accommodation in Oslo Comfort Hotel Runway - Oslo Airport Shuttle bus no 44 leaves every 15 or 30 min (depending on the time of the day) from Oslo airport to the hotel. Journey time is approximately 6 minutes. Please indicate in the registration form if you will be staying at the conference hotel and for which dates. The organiser will then send a list of bookings for those participants to the conference hotel after the registration deadline. Accommodation costs are approx. NOK 1050 (approx. EUR 120) per person per night (breakfast included), payable to the hotel upon departure. Visas - Participants are responsible for checking visa requirements and making their own visa arrangements before departure. - The Council of Europe will prepare official notes for the participants requiring a visa. Visarelated expenses are borne by the conference participants. Registration and participation Interested individuals can register by filling in the registration form attached to the information package no later than 28 February Registration details will also be published on the EPAS website and distributed via EPAS Governing Board members. Information Additional information on the programme can be found on the website

5 5 Contact For further information, please contact the EPAS secretariat in the Council of Europe: Ms Caroline Larghi 1, Quai Jacoutot F STRASBOURG Cedex Tel: +33 (0)