Senior sport officials from EU Member States met in Lefkosia on 4–5 February 2026 for a meeting of the Directors-General for Sport, hosted by the Cyprus Sports Organisation under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. The agenda focused on health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA), mental health in sport, and sports cooperation in the Mediterranean region. Opening remarks outlined these three themes as the guiding priorities of the meeting.

On the first day, participants discussed national and EU-level policies promoting physical activity, including their links to public health, education and social cohesion. Exchanges addressed implementation challenges and methods for assessing policy effectiveness. Presentations covered Cyprus’ “Aristotle CyFIT” programme, outcomes of the Erasmus+ project “Shaping EU Sport”, and findings from a Peer Learning Activity held in Cyprus.

The second day examined mental health among athletes and coaches, including preventive approaches and cooperation between Member States. Discussions also considered regional cooperation following a European Commission presentation on the Pact for the Mediterranean and a proposal to explore the establishment of a Mediterranean Sports Council. The meeting formed part of a series of sport-related events organised during the Cyprus Presidency.