Thank you Chairman.

First of all, I think the European Council deserves credit for the organisation of this conference, and for the choice of some important themes of current interest.

I would also like to thank the Hungarian Minister for hosting this conference.

Sport is a central part of civil society. Participation in voluntary, member-based sports organisations represents an important value to the individual and to society. The sports NGOs are also important as democratic actors, and they are arenas for social community and social diversity.

The realization of the full potential of the social and democratic role of sport, is however dependant upon an effective implementation of the principles of good governance in sport.

In order to achieve this, a fruitful cooperation between governments and the sports movement is crucial. Cooperation should be based on respect for the special characteristics of sport and for the autonomy of sport NGOs.

One of the primary goals of the Norwegian government´s sports policy is to strengthen voluntary member-based sports, and to create conditions that help sport to thrive. Promoting good governance in sport is an integral part of this goal.

For example, the Norwegian Olympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NOC) receives an annual grant from the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs. One of the basic goals of this funding, is to contribute to the maintenance and development of NOC as a voluntary, member-based organisation. Furthermore, the funding shall contribute to keeping NOC an open and including organisation.

The administration of these funds is based on a system of reporting. NOC each year reports to the ministry on the attainment of the primary goals of the government´s sports policy.

The ministry´s administration of the funds is thus carried out not through detailed regulation, but trough attention to primary goals. This system ensures an effective administration of the funds, while at the same time respecting the autonomy and self-government of NOC and its underlying organisational units.

Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of an effective implementation of the principles of good governance in the field of anti-doping.

A successful fight against doping in sport is dependant upon professional organisation and management and structures which secure democratic values and a clear definition of roles. This is important both at the national and the international level.

There is no single model of good governance here. In June 2003 the Norwegian Olympic Committee and Confederation of Sport and the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs established the independent foundation Antidoping Norway (AND). AND was established to ensure that the activity of control and prosecution was organised independently of NOC and the state.

At the international level, WADAs supervisory role is of great importance. Through the World Anti-Doping Program, WADA is promoting harmonization of rules, disciplinary procedures, sanctions and other means of combating doping in sport.

In view of this, it is important that WADA exercises caution when it comes to engaging in operative tasks. A strong operative role may undermine the important supervisory role of WADA, and this is one of the challenges in the international anti-doping work.

I conclude by again emphasizing the importance of implementing the principles of good governance in sport, and I hope this conference will contribute to an increased focus on these issues.

Thank you.