EURO host cities present 100 sustainability measures
The responsible federal ministries, the ten host cities, and their partners have introduced a selection of 100 sustainable measures for UEFA EURO 2024. These include programs in the areas of environment, culture, and social work.
UEFA EURO 2024 is fast approaching. Preparations for the tournament, which UEFA has announced as the most sustainable tournament ever, are now in their final phase. After the ten host cities presented their individual sustainability programs, the Federal Ministry of the Interior has now published an overview of 100 selected sustainability measures.
The 25-page document includes both overarching measures in the fan zones as well as highlights from each host city and the measures from the federal government. These include, among others, support for climate protection projects in amateur football clubs, a comprehensive cultural program, and the Volunteer Academy, a training program for volunteers. The aim is for UEFA EURO 2024 to "set new standards in sustainability for major sports events—socially, ecologically, and economically," as stated in the announcement.
Further focal points of the sustainability strategy include the "joint approach to a sustainable UEFA EURO 2024." A UEFA climate fund is intended to promote climate responsibility while strengthening sports infrastructure in Germany. As part of the climate fund, financial resources will be provided for environmental projects benefiting German sports offerings. The projects cover areas such as energy, water, waste management, and smart mobility. Additionally, a reliable and sustainable mobility offer will be provided to enable climate-friendly travel. An extensive cultural program from the Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media is also intended to bring fans from Germany and Europe together outside the stadiums.
Other projects promote participation and social cohesion. This includes a joint program with the German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteering, which fosters long-term commitment from the more than 16,000 volunteers in the voluntary sector. This is complemented by an extensive fan support program aimed at promoting intercultural understanding.
Some programs have already started in advance. For example, measure 14 of the paper: FUTURE LEAGUE BERLIN 2024. The host city of Berlin offers a platform for sustainability projects in the context of UEFA EURO 2024, which also includes events.
Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser commented on the measures: "We want a European Championship that has a positive impact far beyond the tournament itself. I have visited all ten host cities and am impressed by the passion and professionalism with which the cities, clubs, and volunteers are preparing for this European Championship. They offer our guests from all over Europe and the fans here in Germany a wide range of art and culture programs, create opportunities for encounters, and promote intercultural understanding. They strengthen grassroots sports and sports infrastructure in the long term. We want to inspire the 16,000 volunteers who make this major event possible for long-term volunteer work—whether in a sports club, the volunteer fire department, or other areas." (stadiaworld, 13.06.2024)
