BRUSSELS, 17 November 2025 - The EOC EU Office hosted the 7th European Evening of Sport, bringing together more than 300 leaders from the Olympic Movement, European institutions, and the wider sporting family.
The event, held at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union, celebrated shared values and strengthened cooperation between European sport and EU institutions.
Attended by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, EOC President Spyros Capralos, EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef, and representatives from across the European sporting landscape, the evening underscored the strong partnership between the European Union and the Olympic Movement.
All 49 European NOCs were invited to the gathering, which explored the theme "Sport is more than a Game" and reflected on sport's role as a unifying force in society, particularly in times of challenge and change.
Remarking on a day of fruitful exchanges between European sports leaders and policy makers, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “We know that sport delivers real value for society. And research has shown that sport delivers the most effective, low cost but high impact tools that we have. It strengthens education, it supports communities and it improves health. And it promotes inclusion.”
In his opening address, EOC President Spyros Capralos highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines the EU-EOC relationship.
President Capralos said: "The strong bond that unites the Olympic Movement and the European Union reflects our shared mission to promote the values of sport.
"Through sport, we connect beyond borders. We learn teamwork, fair play, and mutual respect. The European Sport Model - built on solidarity, autonomy of sporting bodies, and sporting merit - reflects who we are as Europeans. Preserving it is our shared responsibility."
A highlight of the evening was a panel discussion titled "More Than A Game: The Role of Sports in Challenging Times," moderated by three-time Olympic alpine skier Ana Jelusic Black. Commissioner Micallef joined National Olympic Committee Presidents Kersti Kaljulaid (Estonia), Amélie Oudea-Castera (France), and Jean-Michel Saive (Belgium) to explore the transformative power of sport across multiple sectors — from public health and education to diplomacy and inclusion. The panellists concluded that realising sport's full potential requires strong partnerships and coordinated policy efforts.
Following a tribute to the retiring EOC EU Office Director Folker Hellmund, who has led the office with dedication and vision for over 16 years, the event concluded with networking and celebration, including a Sports Village sponsored by Decathlon. The evening reinforced the commitment of both the European Union and the Olympic Movement to working together to ensure sport continues to inspire, educate, and unite communities across Europe.