The European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) has unveiled its draft report on the role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model, authored by the rapporteur, MEP Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski (EPP, Poland). The report reaffirms the European Parliament’s strong commitment to defending a sport model built on solidarity, sporting merit, and inclusiveness, while recognising the growing threats from commercialisation, foreign investment, and breakaway competitions.

The report calls for a long-term EU sport strategy, clearer legal guidance for sport stakeholders, strengthened financial solidarity mechanisms, and greater stakeholder representation in governance - particularly for athletes and fans. It also proposes increased funding under Erasmus+ and recommends establishing a Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Professional Sport. Notably, the rapporteur received input from a broad range of organisations, including the European Olympic Committees EU Office, which has consistently advocated for sport to be given greater prominence in the EU’s next long-term budget (MFF), while stressing the importance of preserving and strengthening the European Sport Model and ensuring that the specific nature of sport is fully recognised in EU policymaking. The deadline for tabling amendments to the draft report is set for 23 May, ahead of its finalisation and submission to plenary for a vote in the summer.