On 15 July, the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) adopted its own-initiative report on the European Sport Model (ESM), reiterating the EU’s support for a values-driven approach to sport grounded in solidarity, inclusiveness, and good governance. The report urges the development of a long-term EU strategy that strengthens ties between professional and grassroots levels, ensures fair financial redistribution, and protects the integrity of European sport from increasing commercialisation and foreign ownership.

ENGSO has contributed to the report by structuring its feedback based on three pillars:

1. Enlarge the base of the pyramid and make grassroots sport the bedrock of the European Sport Model
2. Fostering stronger dialogue between sports and decision-makers
3. Keep the European Sport relevant in the changing world
4. Develop fair and credible solidarity schemes to redistribute funds to grassroots clubs 
5. Urge for the creation of operating grants for sport networks at EU level

ENGSO welcomes the report and its findings related to the grassroots sport. In particular, the report mentions that grassroots sport in Europe is community-driven and volunteer-based, but underfunded, requiring stronger financial solidarity with professional sport for long-term sustainability.

At the same time, the Committee approved its opinion on the 2026 budget, proposing increased resources for Erasmus+ Sport Key Action 1 and endorsing the creation of a new Preparatory Action, Sport Supports – emergency sport actions for youth. This initiative aims to use sport as a tool for integration and to provide mental health support to young people impacted by humanitarian crises, reflecting the EU’s growing emphasis on the social role of sport.