On 13 May, the Council’s Sports Ministers within the Education, Youth, Culture and Sports (EYCS) configuration met, during which the Council Conclusions on an integrated approach to sport and physical activity in the education context were adopted. The Conclusions seek to tackle the current challenges of boosting physical activity among children and young people by promoting sport as a means to support both physical and mental health. They focus particularly on how the school environment—both during and outside of class—can be leveraged to integrate physical activity into daily routines. 

The Conclusions highlight the urgent need to address the decline in physical activity among young people by strengthening the presence of sport within schools. Ministers underscored the positive impact of physical activity on both physical and mental health, the need for inclusive facilities, and the role of sport in fostering social skills and promoting EU values. ENGSO has contributed to the finalization of the Conclusions throughout the consultative process. The feedback it gave made its way into the final version. In particular, the Conclusions encourage increased cooperation between schools and the sports movement, which can serve as an entry point for children and adolescents to organised sport and foster the grassroots approach as one of the key features of a European Sport Model. In addition, it is noted that sport clubs can enhance physical activity and sport engagement, creating more opportunities to stay active. 

Sports Ministers also held a debate on the role of athletes in shaping sports policy. The discussion highlighted the importance of involving both current and former athletes – especially Olympians and national team members – in decision-making processes. Athletes were acknowledged not only as beneficiaries but also as key contributors to more inclusive and effective sports policies. Several delegations shared national practices and voiced support for strengthening EU-level platforms to ensure a structured dialogue with the athlete community.