4. Considers that, in view of the unique characteristics of sport, the Commission should consider, after consulting the various interests concerned and Parliament, the adoption of interpretative guidelines designed to clarify the whole question of the relationship between Community law and "sporting rules" that do not fall within the remit of that law and the area to which that law applies, in particular the demarcation between those aspects of the organisation of sport which are subject to that law and those rules which are not, having regard also to the principles of subsid ...[+++]iarity and proportionality, and bearing in mind that sporting rules concerning questions of purely sporting interest and having as such nothing to do with economic activity do not fall within the scope of the Treaty; considers that this demarcation should take account of the distinction between professional and amateur sports; points out that such rules, which relate to the particular nature and context of sporting events, are inherent in the organisation and proper conduct of sporting competition and cannot be regarded as constituting a restriction on the Community rules on free movement of workers and freedom to provide services, provided that the restrictive effects on competition are proportionate to the legitimate genuine sporting interest pursued;

[2] For the sake of clarity and simplicity, this White Paper will use the definition of "sport" established by the Council of Europe: "all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels".

Sport could also have an economic impact, in that a country that invests in the good physical condition of its citizens, starting with young people in school, may over the long term reduce health expenditure, given that, according to a United Nations report, 40% of illnesses on a global scale are linked to a lack of exercise and poor physical condition.

Stresses the importance of physical exercise and sport in curbing obesity and eliminating unhealthy lifestyle habits, since this phenomenon has a significant positive impact on citizens' health on the one hand and as regards reducing the cost of health insurance funds on the other; expresses, however, concern at the fact that the extension of working hours and existing employment conditions in general deter workers from taking regular exercise and devoting themselves more single-mindedly to sport ...[+++]; calls on the Commission to develop and issue, together with sport federations, European guidelines and recommendations on physical activity before the end of 2008;

Draws attention to non-professional sport, which is often neglected; points to the need to provide greater financial support, better working conditions and other incentives and benefits for non-professional sports, including for non-profit clubs, athletes, managers, trainers/coaches and amateur and voluntary referees;

5. Underlines the importance of sports education at school; calls on the Member States to attach due importance to the teaching of physical education in the curricula of all schools and to encourage young people to take part in amateur sports;