On April 3, the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) Group on Combating Hate Speech in Sport convened for its second session. The group has initiated its efforts with an extensive mapping exercise, distributing a questionnaire to Member States to evaluate the current situation, identify instances of hate speech in sport, and gather examples of successful initiatives. Initial results highlight a diverse range of national strategies, especially regarding how hate speech is treated under different legal systems. The survey points to key areas for action, including the need to strengthen collaboration with social media platforms and to expand educational and youth-oriented programmes to counter hate speech early on.

Moving forward, specialized working groups will concentrate on the legal context, different types and expressions of hate speech, the exchange of best practices, and the development of prevention strategies and future initiatives. 

A dedicated Open Method of Coordination (OMC) group has been established under the EU Work Plan for Sport 2024–2027, within priority area 1: “Integrity and Values in Sport.” The group’s work will create a framework for cooperation, exchange, and the sharing of best practices among Member States and relevant stakeholders, ultimately leading to the development of non-binding recommendations for actors both within and beyond the sports sector.