The Council of Europe Monitoring Group of the Anti-Doping Convention (T-DO) has released a comprehensive report on France's efforts to combat doping in sport. France is one of the pioneering nations in establishing a regulatory framework, and continues to adapt its legislation to meet the evolving landscape of doping practices.

France has a first-rate national anti-doping organisation. The French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) has extensive investigative powers and the human and financial resources to carry out more than 10,000 tests a year. Its work in prevention and education is also noteworthy.

The Ministry of Sport is the central governmental player in the fight against doping. It coordinates national policies and ensures a unified approach to maintaining clean sport. The report underlines that the involvement of other public authorities, such as the health and education ministries, remains somewhat limited.

The specialised law enforcement units (OCLAESP) and judicial divisions ease the implementation of repressive measures and information sharing. The report recommends an increased involvement of customs to further strengthen these efforts. Best practices identified include notably the national doping prevention plan's effective mobilisation of stakeholders under the Ministry of Sport's guidance.

Several recommendations have been formulated to enhance the respect for clean sport. These include ratifying the Additional Protocol to the Convention, improving AFLD operations in all the French territories, and setting up an inter-institutional platform to foster cooperation among various authorities. Other measures involve revising the roles of decentralised anti-doping structures, promoting the involvement of athletes' entourages in prevention efforts, and ensuring the Sanctions Committee members receive ongoing training.

This report serves both as an information resource for the general public and as a technical tool for the French anti-doping authorities including in the wake of the upcoming Games. By implementing the outlined recommendations and best practices, France can strengthen its anti-doping measures, thereby upholding the integrity of sport on both national and international stages.