The last meeting of the EU Commission's Platform on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, which took place in Brussels on 17 September was entirely dedicated to Physical Activity issues where EHFA representatives not only actively contributed, but also provided a personal trainer who stimulated approx 60 participants by engaging them into appropriate ‘desk’ exercises during several ‘move’ breaks.  

During the same meeting EHFA presented on the UK activity programme “GO”, which was designed by FIA to attempt to lift the negative perception of physical activity amongst girls and young women and showed a video with testimonials from "GO" programme participants (as broadcasted on BBC news).

However, the most important presentation at that meeting was delivered by Michal Krejza, Head of the Sport Unit at DG EAC who revealed to the audience the draft EU Guidelines on Physical Acitvity. 

The Guidelines are a major on-going project based on the EU White Paper on Sport.  Mr Krejza underlined the purpose of the Guidelines which are: “to define, jointly with the Member States, possible policy changes in different sectors which would make it easier for Europeans, or encourage Europeans, to move more, preferably on a daily basis”.  The expected title of the Guideline is "EU Physical Activity Guidelines: Recommended Policy Action in Support of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity".

The draft Guidelines were prepared by a Group of 22 Experts on health and physical activity together with the World Health Organisation and meetings were chaired and facilitated by the Commission’s Sport Unit.  Mr Krejza explained that the basis for the Guidelines were the WHO Recommendations as well as the existing  national guidelines from France (2005), Germany (2007), Luxembourg (2006), Slovenia (2007), UK (2008 and 2004). The European Guidelines will have an added value:  they are addressed primarily to policy makers in the Member States to aid the formulation and adoption of national policies in various relevant sectors.  The Guidelines are action-oriented, focusing on the implementation of the WHO Recommendations and targets.  The cross-sectoral approach focuses on: Sport, Health, Education, Transport/environment/urban planning and public safety services, Working environment, Services for senior citizens.

The draft Guidelines will have to go through the political process:  they will be discussed at the October meeting of Member State Sport Directors in Versailles, and will be officially launched on 26 November 2008 during the Sport Forum and meeting of Member State Sport Ministers. The President of EHFA, Harm Tegelaars, has received an official invitation from the EU to speak at the Sport Forum on the subject of the Professional Qualifications (please see also about the EU Sport Forum 2008 below).

It is worth noting that parallel to the European Physical Guidelines, the US  Federal Government has just issued its first-ever 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. They describe the types and amounts of physical activity that offer substantial health benefits to Americans.

• NTF Norway, Knut Kaspersen, writes about his association:
  
  "Norges Treningssenter Forbund was established in 1984 with the purpose of gathering all commercial fitness clubs in Norway into one association to represent, protect and promote their interests. Today there are 117 fitness clubs in the NTF, which represents about 25% of the Norwegian market. The association is working on several issues of concern to the Norwegian Fitness industry.  The far most important issue is VAT on membership fees. 
  
  As at today there is no VAT on membership fees for Norwegian clubs, but the government has launched a proposal which could result in at least 8 % value added tax.  Our fear is that it could be the start of a bigger taxation of our industry. The NTF has cooperated with the biggest chains, such as SATS and ELIXIA to try and to stop this proposal, or at least to keep the level down to 8 % before it is adopted in the National Budget which finally was presented on 7 October.  For the time being, the danger was fenced off for another year as the Government decided to investigate this issue and its potential consequences before taking any further steps. 
  
  One of our core missions today is to make sure that the Norwegian fitness industry is working under the best possbile general conditions, so we can grow the industry to be a significant player in the matter of public health.
  
  To do that the NTF have to build a framework with motivated and competent people who are dedicated to this mission. One of our key players will be EHFA with its competence, experience and above all, its network toward the decision makers in Brussels. We look forward to a long and positive cooperation with EHFA, and together we can work for growth in the fitness industry both nationally and internationally".

• VDF Germany, Kai Schimmelfeder, writes about his association:  
  
  "The Verband Deutscher Fitness- und Gesundheitsunternehmen e.V.  represents the interests of the fitness industry, as well as its suppliers on a national level. VDF as the umbrella organization in Germany intervenes between the industry, the clubs and the instructors. An important task is to create and enforce a high level quality standard within the fitness industry. Consequently, the VDF sees in the quality assurance one of its central tasks.

The VDF has its headquarters in Hamburg. Since its foundation the VDF has developed into a distinguished organisation with an increasing influence in its sphere of action – all members are entitled to vote. As representative of the sector the VDF attends to market analysis and troubleshooting as well as bundling and the accomplishment of all political themes and interests in the health and fitness sector. VDF initiates and provides arrangements to improve image and quality as well as lobbying for the sector.

One of the VDF’s recent activities is to support the clubs in the action with the German sales tax. The VDF action should help the clubs to invest more in quality and help to get into the same position as the German non profit making fitness clubs. These clubs generate high revenue but do not have to pay the same level of tax. VDF and its members are of the opinion (also supported by law) that each system should have same rights and opportunities in Germany.

VDF is looking forward to a fruitful cooperation with EHFA".