The EU’s next multiannual budget framework is under pressure from more than 150 organizations across Europe, who are urging it to safeguard sport funding.
On May 2, 2025, over 150 European organizations – including global brands, sporting bodies and NGOs – issued a joint call to EU policymakers to protect and prioritize investment in sport and physical activity in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) (MFF). The initiative aims to counter growing concerns that EU funding could shift away from public health and sport toward defense in response to geopolitical pressures.
The joint statement, supported by brands such as Adidas, Puma, Tecnica Group, Berghaus, Elan and Elevate Outdoor Collective, emphasizes sport’s economic, social and health benefits. According to the signatories, every euro invested in sport yields a fivefold return in broader societal benefits.
“Sport is essential to the physical and mental well-being of Europeans, especially in a post-pandemic era,” the statement reads, highlighting its role in youth engagement, social cohesion and economic development.
Led by the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) and backed by outdoor-focused signatories like the European Outdoor Group (EOG), the campaign urges the EU to maintain and expand programs such as Erasmus+ Sport and EU4Health, and to recognize sport as a strategic sector in economic and public policy.
The full list of supporters includes other major industry names like Decathlon, New Balance, Head and ISPO, as well as nonprofit initiatives like It’s Great Out There Coalition and the Special Olympics.
As discussions on the future EU budget and MFF revisions take place, the signatories strongly urge policymakers to:
1. Increase funding for sport and physical activity under the MFF, recognizing its impact on health, social inclusion, economy and security.
2. Preserve and expand Erasmus+ Sport, ensuring youth and grassroots projects continue to benefit from mobility and innovation funding.
3. Strengthen sport and physical activity’s role in EU4Health, integrating sport into preventive healthcare strategies to combat chronic diseases and mental health challenges.
4. Secure investment in sport and physical activity through EU cohesion policies, ensuring sport infrastructure, digital innovation and environmental sustainability remain priorities.
5. Recognize sport as a strategic sector in EU economic policy, ensuring that sport-related SMEs, innovation and job creation initiatives are protected from cuts.
