The annual EU Sport Forum took place in Krakow, Poland, on 10–11 April. The flagship event, gathering various sports stakeholders from around Europe, was organized by the Polish Presidency of the Council. This year, the Forum focused on key topics including the promotion of a European Sport Model, the role of sport in education and in the context of EU enlargement, the impact of artificial intelligence in sport, and the welfare of athletes.

The ENGSO delegation comprised ENGSO President Stefan Bergh, Committee members Magnus Sverdrup and Theo Neyenhuis, Office Director Marie Denitton, Secretary General Sara Massini, and ENGSO Youth Committee member Mirjana Ivkovic. The main takeaways from the event were that grassroots sport will be a key focus in Commissioner Glenn Micallef’s plans and initiatives, especially in strengthening the development of the sporting movement across Europe. The Commissioner also emphasised that strengthening the link between elite and grassroots sport is and will be essential for the future of the sport movement, and that significant attention will be given to supporting volunteers to help safeguard the European Sport Model.

During the Sport Forum, the topic of the European Sport Model featured heavily. Commissioner Glenn Micallef announced the forthcoming Commission Communication on promoting the European Sport Model in 2026, emphasizing a collaborative approach shaped by broad stakeholder input through consultations taking place this year. Looking ahead to the negotiations on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, he urged National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to actively engage with their national governments to secure strong support for sport’s vital role in society. Echoing this commitment, IOC President Thomas Bach reaffirmed the IOC’s backing of the ESM, highlighting its alignment with Olympic values and calling for deeper integration of sport into EU policies and national development strategies. Meanwhile, MEP Hannes Heide advocated for greater investment in sport infrastructure through European structural and development funds, along with an expansion of the Erasmus+ programme.

The EU Sport Forum was a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with various sports stakeholders, including the European Olympic Committee. ENGSO President had the chance to meet with EOC President Spyros Capralos, strengthening the connection between elite and grassroots sport for the future of the sport movement, building a fair, inclusive, and equal European Sport Model.