The 2026 European Week of Sport officially opened on 23 September in Dublin under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, following the Presidency Conference on Traditional Sports and Games. The opening launched a week of activities across Europe promoting sport and physical activity. ENGSO was represented by Secretary General Theo Neyenhuis, who joined the conference and opening alongside National Coordinating Bodies and European partners.

The 2026 Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity, released as part of the Week, shows some positive changes in participation. The share of Europeans exercising several times a week increased by 6 percentage points to 38%, while those who never exercise fell by 6 points to 39%. Active commuting by walking or cycling increased by 13 points to 37%, and attendance at health and fitness centres reached 39%. At the same time, inactivity remains high in several Member States. The survey also found that 93% of respondents consider sport and physical activity beneficial for mental health, while 86% see them as important for building communities.