Protect sport funding: The sports and  physical activity movement unites to secure sport in EU’s Budget    

The European Outdoor Group together with more than 150  signatories from the European and international sport and physical activity  ecosystem, has released a coordinated joint statement urging EU institutions  to prioritise sport and physical activity in the upcoming Multiannual Financial  Framework (MFF) 2028–2034.      

This united call for action comes at a crucial time, as the European Union  begins shaping its next long-term budget. The statement highlights the vital  role sport and physical activity play in addressing societal challenges and  delivering tangible economic, health, and social benefits — and urges the EU  to secure dedicated funding across flagship programmes such as Erasmus+,  Horizon Europe, and EU4Health.    

Research shows that every €1 invested in grassroot sport generates a return  of €5 in broader economic and social benefits. Sport also contributes around  2.12% to the EU’s GDP and employs over 5 million people. But its full  potential can only be unlocked with consistent, long-term investment and  integration into EU policymaking.     The joint statement outlines five key demands:    

1. Increase funding for sport and physical activity under the MFF,  recognising its impact on health, social inclusion, economy, and  security.    

2. Preserve and expand Erasmus+ Sport, ensuring youth and grassroots projects continue to benefit from mobility and innovation funding.    

3. Strengthen sport and physical activity’s role in EU4Health, integrating sport into preventive healthcare strategies to combat chronic diseases and  mental health challenges.    

4. Secure investment in sport and physical activity through EU cohesion  policies, ensuring sport infrastructure, digital innovation, and environmental  sustainability remain priorities.    

5. Recognise sport as a strategic sector in EU economic policy, ensuring  that sport-related SMEs, innovation, and job creation initiatives are  protected from cuts.    

With more than 150 signatories — including European and International  associations, sports federations and clubs, NGOs and businesses — this is one  of the largest collective calls ever made on behalf of the European sport and  physical activity sector.    

The coming months will be crucial. The European Commission, Parliament, and  Council are all expected to publish their proposals for the next MFF before  the summer. FESI and its partners will continue to engage with  decision-makers to ensure that sport and physical activity — along with the  communities and industries they support — are recognised as a priority in  Europe’s future.    

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The full joint statement can be read below