SHARE Initiative details how EU funding supports greener sport and the ecological renovation of sports infrastructures  

SHARE Initiative details how EU funding supports greener sport and the ecological renovation of sports infrastructures  

In the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities, on 11 October the platform of the SHARE (SportHub Alliance for Regional development in Europe) initiative of the European Commission (DG EAC) organised a practical workshop on “how sport and physical activity can be made more sustainable and contribute to community efforts to create a greener Europe”. The speakers brought concrete examples and guidelines on how to develop one’s own green strategy and what EU tools and funds can help in this regard.

Serena Pontoglio from the EC's Directorate General for Energy, presented the EU policies in place and gave an insight on potential funding opportunities for sustainable sport infrastructure. The Commission's goal is to gradually transform EU building stocks through the Renovation Wave strategy and action plan and the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in the framework of the EU Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package (zero-emission, more energy efficiency and less consumption). Focusing on funding possibilities, she mentioned existing EU tools, including the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), Cohesion Policy Funds (ERDF/CF), Horizon Europe and LIFE.

Mike Mc Clure, representing the European Network of Outdoor Sports (ENOS), highlighted the role of grassroots organisations and outdoor sport clubs in mitigating the biodiversity crisis: leaving “no trace”, taking positive actions (i.e., removing trash, cleaning rivers), collaborating with local environmental organisations and advocating at local level. Isabella Burczack, representing the International Cycling Union (UCI), emphasised how bicycle is a catalyst for a greener future and presented UCI sustainability vision. In conclusion, Dirk Van de Wiele, Head of Department 'Sport & Physical Activity' of the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, presented the practical example of the sustainable infrastructural renovation of a swimming pool as a case study in the field of green sport infrastructure and the use of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Michael Serneels, policy officer of the Sport Unit of the European Commission, finally drew attention to the importance of outdoor sports as evidenced by the latest Eurobarometer survey.

Recent Posts

First global carbon calculator for sport: OCEAN Sport CO2 Calculator empowers organisations to take climate action

Brussels, 2 July 2025 – The European Olympic Committees (EOC) EU Office, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) the launch of the OCEAN Sport CO2 Calculator - the first free of charge carbon calculator developed specifically for sport organisations that is available globally. Developed by the Oeko-Institut as […]

Read More
Children‘s rights in focus: How EU priorities echo in sport safeguarding

The EOC EU Office followed with great interest the 15th European Forum on the Rights of the Child, which took place in Brussels on 23–24 June under the theme “Championing Children’s Rights: Building Fair and Resilient Societies”. The Forum reinforced the EU’s commitment to protecting children’s rights across all policies and sectors, with key discussions […]

Read More
EOC EU Office welcomes a delegation of French federations leaders with French NOC

On 25 and 26 June, the EOC EU Office welcomed a delegation from the French National Olympic Committee (CNOSF) as part of their “Parcours Ambition Internationale”. This visit aimed to strengthen the international engagement of French sports leaders. Folker Hellmund (Director), Eva Rebmann (Deputy Director), Carlotta Giussani (Head of Funding) and Iva Glibo (Funding Officer) […]

Read More

Related Posts

July 2, 2025
First global carbon calculator for sport: OCEAN Sport CO2 Calculator empowers organisations to take climate action

Brussels, 2 July 2025 – The European Olympic Committees (EOC) EU Office, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) the launch of the OCEAN Sport CO2 Calculator - the first free of charge carbon calculator developed specifically for sport organisations that is available globally. Developed by the Oeko-Institut as […]

June 27, 2025
Children‘s rights in focus: How EU priorities echo in sport safeguarding

The EOC EU Office followed with great interest the 15th European Forum on the Rights of the Child, which took place in Brussels on 23–24 June under the theme “Championing Children’s Rights: Building Fair and Resilient Societies”. The Forum reinforced the EU’s commitment to protecting children’s rights across all policies and sectors, with key discussions […]

June 27, 2025
EOC EU Office welcomes a delegation of French federations leaders with French NOC

On 25 and 26 June, the EOC EU Office welcomed a delegation from the French National Olympic Committee (CNOSF) as part of their “Parcours Ambition Internationale”. This visit aimed to strengthen the international engagement of French sports leaders. Folker Hellmund (Director), Eva Rebmann (Deputy Director), Carlotta Giussani (Head of Funding) and Iva Glibo (Funding Officer) […]

About us

The EOC EU Office is the House of European Sport, representing the European Olympic Committees (EOC), the IOC and other major sport organisations to the European institutions in Brussels.
CONTACT
crossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram