The debate on the future of the European Sport Model (ESM) entered a decisive phase this month with the publication of the draft report by the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT). Authored by rapporteur Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski (EPP, PL), the text will serve as Parliament’s formal position before the European Commission prepares its own Communication on the ESM, scheduled for mid-2026. CULT will vote on the final wording in June–July; amendments may still be tabled for a short period, but the broad lines are now set.
A positive baseline for organised sport
Throughout the report the ESM is portrayed as a public-interest asset deserving protection from purely commercial pressures. It reaffirms the values of solidarity, sporting merit and inclusiveness, while warning against break-away competitions and unchecked foreign investment. Crucially, the draft recognises the conditional autonomy of sport organisations, linking that autonomy to higher standards of transparency, integrity and gender equality.
Where the draft applies pressure
The rapporteur nevertheless highlights a trio of weaknesses within the current model:
- Declining volunteering, which erodes the human capital sustaining clubs.
- Persistent governance shortcomings, including integrity and equality gaps.
- Limited reach and transparency of existing financial-solidarity mechanisms.
An athlete-centred chapter presses sport bodies on fundamental and social rights, meaningful participation in decision-making and stronger social dialogue. The proposal for an EU Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Professional Sport is the most far-reaching new instrument; while commendable in intent, it still needs a clear mandate and workable structure.
Clarifications secured at the Annual Partner Meeting
During the EOC Annual Partner Meeting (see also separate article) in Brussels on 15 May, Katarzyna Biniaszczyk, assistant to MEP Zdrojewski, presented the draft to the partners of the EOC EU Office. These clarifications dispelled fears of EU micro-management and underscored that the aim is to give stakeholders clearer legal guidance and to ensure public funding follows integrity and sustainability principles.
Follow-up and outlook
The EOC EU Office will stay in close contact with the rapporteur and shadow rapporteurs. Following a successful committee vote in early July, the report will move to plenary shortly after the summer recess. Once adopted, it will feed into the Commission’s 2026 Communication, framing EU sport policy.