The Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) provides a platform for intergovernmental sports co-operation between the public authorities of its member states. It also encourages dialogue between public authorities, sports federations and NGOs. This contributes to better governance, with the aim of making sport more ethical, more inclusive and safer.

Back Strengthening international co-operation in sport justice: MARS Network meets in Strasbourg

Strengthening international co-operation in sport justice: MARS Network meets in Strasbourg

The Council of Europe hosted the annual meeting of the Network of Magistrates/Prosecutors Responsible for Sports (MARS Network) on 28–29 April 2026 at the Palais de l’Europe in Strasbourg.

Established under the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport in 2023, the MARS Network brings together prosecutors, magistrates and law enforcement experts to strengthen international co-operation and the exchange of information in the fight against crimes threatening the integrity of sport.

This year’s meeting focused on key legal and operational challenges faced by judicial authorities, including:

  • legal frameworks and responsibilities in investigation and prosecution,
  • the use of artificial intelligence in investigating sport-related crimes,
  • international and inter-institutional co-operation, and
  • evidence collection in criminal proceedings.

Participants engaged in practical discussions, including case-based exchanges, with contributions from Council of Europe experts and experts from the academia, integrity organisations and representatives of international sports organisations.

A joint session with the Saint-Denis Committee, which was holding its 9th meeting in Strasbourg at the same time, explored a concrete example of co-operation between prosecutors and law enforcement authorities in Portugal, highlighting synergies between sport integrity and safety frameworks.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to further consolidate the MARS Network’s work on strengthening legal frameworks and operational co-operation at both national and international levels.

Through initiatives such as the MARS Network, the Council of Europe continues to support member States in upholding integrity, combating corruption in sport, and ensuring that sport remains a safe, fair and values-based environment.

Strasbourg, France 29 April 2026
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WHY WAS EPAS SET UP?

EPAS was set up in 2007 to give fresh momentum to international co-operation in sports policies; to address the current challenges facing sport; and to ensure that sport thrives and is governed to meet high standards (e.g. in the areas of integrity, good governance and fair play).

 

WHAT DOES EPAS DO?

  • Develops policies (e.g. on safe sport) and international standards, such as the European Sports Charter, and supports their implementation.
  • Facilitates multi-stakeholder dialogue by offering platforms for discussion and helps with capacity building and the exchange of best practices.
  • Organises Conferences of Ministers responsible for Sport to discuss and decide on important sport-related issues.
  • Organises thematic conferences and seminars on various subjects concerning sport.
  • Publishes handbooks, guidelines and research papers on sport and sport policy making.

WHICH STANDARDS GUIDE EPAS’ WORK?

EPAS bases its work on Council of Europe sport standards such as the European Sports Charter, the Anti-Doping Convention, the Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions (Macolin Convention) and the Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events (Saint-Denis Convention).

  Did you know? 

EPAS aims to promote the development of any sport whose benefits are wide-reaching. It develops policies and standards, monitors them and helps with capacity-building and the exchange of best practices.

Different recommendations initially prepared by EPAS have been adopted by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. Recommendations such as the European Sports Charter are regularly monitored via support and follow-up visits in member states. 

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