POLICY

ENGSO and ENGSO Youth at the EU Sport Forum 2026

The 2026 edition of the EU Sport Forum took place in Paphos, Cyprus, on 15–16 April, bringing together key European sport stakeholders to discuss the major challenges, opportunities, and future direction of sport across the European Union.

ENGSO was represented by Secretary General Theo Neyenhuis, Office Director Marie Denitton, EU Advisory Committee member Petra Gantnerova, and ENGSO Youth Managing Director Tiago Guilherme.

 

As the European Commission’s flagship platform for structured dialogue with the sport sector, the EU Sport Forum once again provided a valuable space for exchange and collaboration. This year’s discussions focused on key topics including the European Sport Model, mental health, integrity, gender equality, and investment in sport.

Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, addressed the European sport organisations present at the conference. He highlighted the vital role of sport and physical activity in fostering a resilient and healthy population, while also acknowledging the key challenges facing sport and the broader European sport movement. He further delivered a strong message on current issues related to peace and human rights, emphasizing how these increasingly impact and intersect with the world of sport.

EU Sport Forum 2026 engso

The European Commission, together with the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), presented the latest developments in EU sport policy. This included insights from the public consultation on the strategic vision for the European Sport Model. They also outlined the priorities of the upcoming Council of the EU Presidency, which will be assumed by Ireland.

 

Additional sessions addressed a broad range of important issues, such as solidarity in sport, anti-doping efforts, mental well-being, and the future of the European Week of Sport (EWoS).

 

Looking ahead, the 2026 #BeActive campaign will officially launch on 23 June, with the European Week of Sport set to kick off in Ireland on 23 September 2026.