Finland seeks to influence international sport policy in order to promote matters of great relevance to sport. The focus in international cooperation is on developing legislation and administration, promoting employment and equality, stepping up anti-doping activities, preventing spectator violence and enhancing athletes' status.

In the field of sport, the Ministry of Education takes part in bilateral, multilateral and intergovernmental cooperation, in Nordic cooperation and in EU cooperation. The most important organisations in the field of sport are the Council of Europe, the European Union and UNESCO. Nordic sport cooperation is unofficial.

European Union

The European Union (EU) has no competence in sport, but works on an unofficial basis in sport matters. The focus in EU cooperation is on promoting sport-related matters in EU policies, developing sport education, and looking after young athletes' interests.

Council of Europe

As the only intergovernmental organisation with competence in sport, the Council of Europe is an important international forum for sport. Sport organisations are also represented at meetings arranged under the aegis of the Council of Europe.

Sport cooperation within the Council of Europe is based on

• the European Sports Charter (1975/1992)
• the Anti-Doping Convention and the Additional Protocol (1990)
• the European Convention on Spectator Violence and Misbehaviour at Sports Events and in particular at Football Matches (1985)

There is a Council of Europe forum coordinating European positions on matters administered by the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA.

UNESCO and UN

Finland is active in sport cooperation within UNESCO, which has had sport and physical education in its programme since 1952.

UNESCO addresses global development needs in physical education and questions relating to equality. Unesco developed the International Convention against Doping in Sport which entered into force on February 1st, 2007. Finland has ratified the Convention.