EU funding in the field of sport is provided by

• the Erasmus+ programme
• pilot projects and preparatory actions (PPPAs)

The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) manages both initiatives.

Erasmus+ Sport programme

The Erasmus+ programme is the main source of EU funding in the field of sport. Erasmus+ actions in the field of sport promote participation in sport, physical activity, and voluntary activities.

Key Action 1

This action, managed by Erasmus+ National Agencies, contributes to the development of grassroots sport organisations by supporting learning mobility of their staff.

Key Action 2

Erasmus+ Key Action 2 provides yearly funding in the field of sport for

• cooperation partnerships in the field of sport
• small scale partnerships in the field of sport
• not-for-profit European sport events
• capacity building in the field of sport

Pilot projects and preparatory actions

Pilot projects and preparatory actions (PPPAs) are new initiatives that might turn into EU funding programmes.

What is a pilot project?

A pilot project is an experimental initiative designed to test whether an action is feasible and useful. A pilot project can last up to 2 years.

What is a preparatory action?

A preparatory action is often the next step of a successful pilot project on the same topic. It can last up to 3 years. It is designed to prepare new EU policies, programmes, legislation.

Recent examples

In 2022, PPPAs encouraged initiatives on

• Sport for people and planet – a new approach on sustainability through sport in Europe. This pilot project aimed to increase the awareness about sustainability among citizens through the power of sport
• Grassroots sport programmes and infrastructure innovation. This preparatory action aimed to give sport organisations the opportunity to develop and promote new forms of practising sport and physical activities

In 2023, pilot projects will continue to encourage initiatives on the topic "sport for people and planet" and will introduce a new category: "sport supports - emergency sport actions for youth". This will support sport emergency programmes in a context of humanitarian crisis.