About sport in the EU

Sport is an important part of life for millions of people in Europe. 

Supporting sport 

• strengthens community ties 
• promotes social inclusion 
• helps develop a shared European identity. 

Sport contributes significantly to EU countries’ economies by providing employment for millions of citizens and generating billions in revenue.

For these reasons, sport is a vital part of what it means to be European, and policymakers, education professionals, and regional and national experts work continuously to ensure that sport continues to address challenges and deliver benefits for people across Europe.

EU sport policy priorities are laid out in the EU Work Plan for Sport, which is renewed and adopted by EU Member States every 3.5 years, and in the mission letter to Commissioner Micallef.

How the EU is involved in sport

The European Commission (EC) develops and shares innovative ideas EU-wide, assisting in the implementation of programmes at a regional and local level.

The Erasmus+ Sport programme, for instance, helps develop the European dimension of sport, boosting cooperation between sports organisations, public authorities and other parties.

Promoting good health

The EC promotes exercise through the sharing and promotion of good practices between EU countries and with interested parties. The EU Physical Activity Guidelines (2008) show how cross-cutting national policies can encourage this. The 2013 Council Recommendation on health-enhancing physical activity across sectors will 

• encourage more effective policies in this area
• help monitor progress on and trends in exercise levels and policies

EU health policy also promotes exercise. The EU platform for action on diet, physical activity and health provides a forum for tackling adverse trends.

Good governance

Good governance is a condition for the self-regulation and autonomy of the sports sector.

The European Commission promotes positive values through good governance in sport. In particular, the EC advances policies with a view to integrate best practices across Member States’ programmes and events. These polices are aimed at combating doping, violence, corruption and discrimination in all its forms.

While the EU respects sports organisations' autonomy, it promotes compliance with the principles of

• democracy
• transparency
• accountability
• inclusiveness

The Commission encourages employers, athletes and sports workers to shape labour relations through European social dialogue. There are social dialogue committees for professional football and for active leisure.