The Balance S4 project aims to support member States of the Council of Europe in reinforcing the implementation of the safety and service pillars of the Saint-Denis Convention at national level, in order to achieve the right balance with the security pillar.

It is co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe’s Sport Division for 21 months, from January 2024 until September 2025.

 

 BACKGROUND

Sport is the principal activity organised on a non-governmental basis in Europe which attracts more spectators and generates more positive and negative passions and actions than any other activity. Sport is also the most widely covered activity in the press and broadcasting media.

The legitimate expectation of all individuals to attend sports events safely and in a welcoming manner, and the associated need to tackle violence and maintain the rule of law inside and outside of sports venues is imperative, along with the important role that sport can play in promoting the core values of the European Union and of the Council of Europe, such as social cohesion, tolerance, and the fight against discrimination.

Liberty and security are fundamental principles and essential aims for both the Council of Europe and the European Union. 

For this reason, the Council of Europe (CoE) wishes to pursue its joint action with the European Union (EU) in the area of Safety, Security and Service at Sports Events (S4) building on the previous EU-CoE joint projects ProS4 and ProS4+, as well as on the current project Combating hate speech in Sport.

The success of these projects and the need to continue work in this area has been highlighted by the European Union, the Council of Europe, national and sports authorities and supporters’ representatives on several occasions over the last years.
 

ESTIMATED RESULTS

The project aims at achieving the following results:

  • Up-to-date information and data on the safety and service pillars at sports events in Europe;
  • Awareness-raising and capacity-building among all partners involved in the organisation of sports events, through workshops and seminars;
  • Enhanced implementation of the safety and service pillars in the organisation of sports events; and
  • Guidance on safety and service at sports events.
     
added value

The project will benefit from the Council of Europe’s outreach and from the pan-European dimension of the Saint-Denis Convention, already ratified by 29 Member States and signed by 10 more (as of 18 January 2024).

Drawing upon the experience and expertise of organisations and professionals working in the fields of safety and service, the project will address the underestimated role of safety and service measures in the planification and organisation of sports events, be it a single football match or a major European or World tournament or competition.

In addition, the project will provide verified good practices and valuable guidance to ensure better fan experience and safety management at future sports events.

The project will facilitate exchange and emulation between the different stakeholders, bringing them together and creating a forum for knowledge sharing and transfer, in order to foster instrumental changes in the organisation and management of sports events.