FOR SAFEGUARDING IN SPORT  On 21–22 October 2025, the SAFE HARBOUR consortium convened in Bucharest, Romania, for its second project meeting, marking another important milestone in the project’s mission to strengthen safeguarding responses across European sport.

Hosted by the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee (COSR) and coordinated by the EOC EU Office, the meeting brought together the partner organisations to reflect on the progress achieved so far and align on next priorities.

Laying the groundwork: from analysis to action

The first day focused on Work Package 2, with Thomas More University of Applied Sciences presenting the GAP Report and outlining its preliminary results. Moving on, the discussion quickly grew collaborative, particularly during the small-group sessions using the Stakeholder Database and Mapping Tool. Partners examined how safeguarding responsibilities are distributed in their national systems and identified both strengths and clear areas for development. The day closed with the introduction of a new Classification system of Safeguarding Concerns, which represents an important step toward a shared classification system for safeguarding concerns and violations in Europe.

Strengthening frameworks and networks

The second day looked ahead. Partners discussed the creation of the European Response framework under Work Package 3, which aims to be an advisory procedure to respond to safeguarding concerns and violations in European sports. Additionally, the scope of the European Network for Safe Sport (ENSS) to strengthen cooperation among NOCs and Federations, boost peer-to-peer exchanges and best-practice sharing, join  initiatives, including co-developing toolkits and resources, as well as support mechanisms for Safeguarding Officer was discussed, along with its governance model.

With these strong foundations in place, the SAFE HARBOUR project now moves into its next phase with clear direction and purpose, ready to turn research and collaboration into practical tools and frameworks that make sport safer, more inclusive, and better connected across Europe.