SUMMARY:

On 7 October, the European Parliament officially adopted in plenary the report drafted by MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski (EPP, Poland) on “The role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model », with 552 votes in favor, 52 against and 35 abstentions.

The report incorporates several recommendations shared by FESI as part of the consultation process with the Rapporteur.

It will now contribute to the Commission’s upcoming long-term strategy for European sport and physical activity policy, expected for Q4 2026.

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MORE INFORMATION:

Key demands of the report include:

• Addressing the persistent under-representation of women in leadership positions.

• Ensuring that international and national federations, clubs, and leagues involve fans, athletes, and persons with disabilities in their decision-making processes.

• Significantly increasing EU funding for sport under the next Erasmus+ (2028–2034) programme and enhancing synergies with other EU funds.

• Urging the Commission and Member States to support investment in safe, accessible, and inclusive sport infrastructures, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas.

• Emphasising athlete welfare, fair governance, and integrity.

• Reinforcing the links between professional and grassroots sport through financial solidarity mechanisms.

• Calling on the Commission to provide clear guidelines on how EU law applies to the sports sector, taking into account recent European Court of Justice rulings on athletes’ rights and competition law.

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You can find the full report here.

We are pleased to see that most of these priorities fully reflect the recommendations we shared during the consultation process with the Rapporteur.

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NEXT STEPS:

Although non-binding, this report will serve as a strategic basis for the European Commission’s upcoming Communication on the future of sport in the EU, expected for Q4 2026 (public consultation on-going to which FESI has consolidated a response).

Building on this report and our consolidated position, FESI will continue to engage with EU decision makers, particularly with the Commission, as this file progresses.

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