EuropeActive had the honour of attending the EU Sport Forum 2025, which took place in Krakow, Poland, on 10–11 April. The European Commission’s annual flagship event brought together EU institutions, European and international sport federations, national sport ministries, grassroots organisations, and key stakeholders - offering a unique opportunity to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and future of sport and physical activity in the EU.
This year’s edition featured the participation of European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, who also joined the table tennis tournament with the group. Unfortunately, we must report that EuropeActive did not qualify for the quarterfinals - but we enjoyed the spirited competition nonetheless!
As a key platform for collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders in sport and physical activity, the Forum hosted high-level discussions and panel sessions.
We are currently at a pivotal moment in the EU timeline, as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period beyond 2027 is entering the negotiation phase. The MFF is the EU’s long-term budget plan—typically spanning seven years—and sets spending limits across various policy areas. As such, all EU funding programmes, including Erasmus+, are under review. This was reflected in the Forum agenda, which provided space to reflect on insights gained from the implementation of Erasmus+ Sport actions, and to contribute ideas for shaping the programme’s future.
MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski, First Vice-Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT), also actively participated in the Forum. As Standing Rapporteur for the Erasmus+ Programme - and recently appointed Rapporteur for the report on the role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model—his contributions underscored the importance of maintaining, or even increasing, funding for culture and sport, given their value to European society.
EuropeActive played an active role in the afternoon session dedicated to Erasmus+ Sport Actions, designed as a platform for gathering stakeholder feedback and ideas. During the interactive discussion, Kiera Wason, EuropeActive’s EU Affairs Manager, shared the outcomes of a collaborative conversation involving proposals, concerns, and constructive input for the future of Sport Actions beyond 2027.
Finally, the Forum offered excellent networking opportunities—enhanced by impressive aerial sport performances—all set in the charming Jewish Quarter of Krakow.
