The European Union congratulated on Sunday the athletes from all EU member countries for their excellent performances during the Beijing Olympic Games.

"On behalf of the European Commission, I want to congratulate the hundreds of European athletes who have participated in the Beijing Olympic Games," Jan Figel, European commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, said in a statement.

"The past two weeks have provided European athletes with yet another opportunity to show themselves at their best, and they have certainly not disappointed millions of supporters," the statement said.

"European athletes have not only delivered excellence in competitions as testified in the individual achievements of each participating countries, but they have also demonstrated that team work and fair play are key values to the sporting community of our continent, and to all Europeans," he said.

Figel said the values should be alive not only in the stadium, but also in schools, playgrounds and all the other places where people meet to play or compete.

The commissioner also expressed his longing for the next Olympics, saying that the whole of Europe is looking forward to the great event to be held in London in 2012.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2008)