On 11–12 June, the Polish Council Presidency convened the EU Directors General for Sport in Wroclaw, with the Erasmus+ Sport programme 2021–2027 as one of the central points of discussion. Participants reflected on how the programme supports physical activity and fosters cooperation across the European sport sector, while also acknowledging areas for improvement.
The Erasmus+ Sport programme enables knowledge-sharing and partnership-building through transnational projects. These initiatives promote inclusion, good governance, and values-based development in sport. However, differences in project participation and thematic focus across countries suggest the need for a more tailored approach to programme implementation.
Challenges Identified
Despite the programme's overall value, several systemic barriers continue to limit its potential. Funding remains modest relative to demand, particularly for sport-specific actions. The complexity of the application process and high administrative burden disproportionately affect smaller or less-experienced organisations. The use of technical language in programme documents and calls also creates access issues.
Key points shared by the EOC EU Office
The EOC EU Office shared recommendations ahead of the discussion, drawing on its experience and close engagement with stakeholders across Europe. Key messages included the need to better align Erasmus+ Sport with EU-level sport policy priorities and to improve the uptake and visibility of project results.
Enhancing access and fairness was also emphasised. Suggestions included requiring sport entities to lead consortia and supporting legacy initiatives through ad-hoc funding.
Additionally, maintaining Partnerships for Cooperation and European-wide Events, with increased budgets for these instruments and simplification through the Lump Sum Model was recommended as a step forward, though further administrative easing was perceived as necessary.
Lastly, the EOC EU Office advocates for the importance of increasing the share of the Erasmus+ budget allocated to sport and broadening support to local and regional initiatives, including a specific call for large-scale events that reflect EU values and benefit host communities.
The contributions are fully aligned with the position paper “Olympic Movement and major sport federations' recommendations for the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034”. With the European Commission’s proposal for the MFF 2028–2034 to be published on 16 July, Member States are expected to actively engage in shaping the final outcome. It is therefore essential for the Olympic Movement to ensure a strong presence from the outset.
Further information: EU-funding - EOC EU Office