Between the 11 and 12 May, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council came together to agree on their position on the future Erasmus+ Programme, adopted Conclusions on sport tourism and discussed mental health as well as the reintroduction around Russian and Belarusian nationals to the international sports arena.
Regulation of the next Erasmus+ programme
Discussions on the next Erasmus+ 2028–2034 programme focused on strengthening learning mobility, lifelong learning, innovation, inclusion and cooperation in grassroots sport. Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu called for preserving Erasmus+ while improving access for disadvantaged groups. The Council position also underlines the role of sport in promoting social inclusion, health, active citizenship, solidarity and common European values, while supporting cooperation partnerships, exchanges of best practices and mobility actions in grassroots sport. In response to requests from several delegations, the compromise text further strengthens the visibility of the youth and sport sectors through dedicated and clearer references throughout the programme architecture. As a result, Ministers adopted their partial negotiating position, the Council’s mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the future Erasmus+ regulation. The EOC EU Office is currently assessing the Council’s position and will adapt its advocacy accordingly.
Participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes
Poland, supported by Estonia, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden, raised concerns over the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international sport under their national symbols. Commissioner Micallef stated that the gradual normalisation of participation of these countries’ nationals remains politically and morally unacceptable while the war against Ukraine continues. While recognising the autonomy of sport, the Commissioner reiterated that sport cannot be used as tool for propaganda. EU funding should also be linked to compliance of European values, and these criteria also extending to sports events hosted in Europe. A broad majority of Member States agreed with these statements and opposed participation of Russian or Belarusian athletes under their flags and anthems, with most calling to continue using the strict neutral-athlete participation conditions.
Sport tourism as a contributor to sustainable development
On the topic of sport tourism as a contributor to sustainable development, Member States approved the Council Conclusions. In the debate, they highlighted the economic, social, and tourism potential that sport brings, with a further role as a sustainable alternative to mass tourism. The Cyprus presidency emphasised the importance of sport tourism for active mobility, SMEs, local jobs, and community identity. The Council Conclusions reiterate the responsibility for more ecological and environmental considerations of sports tourism and the need for cultural protection and legacy.
Mental health in sport
Mental health in sport was recognised as a significant and impactful agenda item introduced by the Cyprus Presidency. The topic brought discussion around the growing psychological pressures faced by athletes, coaches, referees, and the wider sport entourage, and their lasting impacts. IOC Athletes’ Commission member Kim Bui delivered a strong intervention on the need to move beyond sole athlete responsibility. Commissioner Micallef spoke on ways the EU is tackling social media pressure faced by athletes, with Member States collectively agreeing on the core element mental health should have in sport policy and shared numerous specific good practice examples.