150 actors jointly call for EU to protect funding for sport and physical activity

This 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 grassroots sport and health enhancing physical activity play in addressing societal challenges and delivering tangible economic, health, and social benefits.

“The grassroots sport and recreational physical activity sector is the largest and most widespread civil society movement in Europe. It consists of thousands of local associations, driven by millions of citizens who provide activities that support better social, mental, and physical health. Diverting funds away from this vital sector would have serious consequences for Europe’s resilience,” says Mogens Kirkeby, President in ISCA.

The statement urges the EU to secure dedicated funding to sport and physical activity across flagship programmes such as Erasmus+ Sport and EU4Health – with further synergies across other policy areas. Research shows that every €1 invested in grassroots sport generates a return of €5 in broader economic and social benefits. But its full potential can only be unlocked with consistent, long-term investment and integration into broad EU policymaking.

The joint statement outlines five key demands:

• Increase funding for grassroots sport and physical activity under the Multiannual Financial Framework, recognising its impact on health, social inclusion, economy, and security.
• Preserve and expand Erasmus+ Sport, ensuring youth and grassroots projects continue to benefit from international cooperation, mobility and innovation funding.
• Strengthen grassroots sport and physical activity’s role in EU4Health, integrating physical activity into preventive healthcare strategies to combat chronic diseases and mental health challenges.
• Secure investment in sport and physical activity through EU cohesion policies, ensuring sport infrastructure, digital innovation, and environmental sustainability remain priorities.
• 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 across the European sport and physical sector, this is one of the largest collective calls ever made on behalf of the sector.  

The coming months will be crucial. The European Commission, Parliament, and Council are all expected to publish their proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework before the summer. ISCA and partners will continue to engage with decision-makers to ensure that grassroots sport and physical activity are recognised as a priority in Europe’s future.  

The full joint statement can be read here.