Introduction of the game of draughts in EU educational establishments

12.2.2018

Question for written answer E-000860-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Stefano Maullu (PPE)

Whereas Article 6 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that sport is among the areas ‘where the Union shall have competences to carry out actions to support, coordinate or supplement the actions of the Member States’;

The game of draughts is accessible by all social groups, and can contribute to social cohesion and to achieving strategic objectives, such as social integration and combating discrimination.

Whatever the age of the child, draughts can improve children’s concentration, patience and perseverance and can develop creativity, intuition and memory, as well as analytical and decision-making skills; Moreover, chess can encourage determination, motivation and sporting spirit.

In the light of this, can the Commission:

• 1.encourage the introduction of an educational programme for the teaching of draughts in the schools of Member States;
• 2.in its next communication on sport, give particular attention to developing an educational programme for draughts and ensure funding starting from 2019?