On 7 October, the European Parliament adopted the Initiative Report on the “Role of EU Policies in Shaping the European Sport Model” with a significant majority, following the plenary debate held the previous day. Rapporteur Bogdan Zdrojewski (EPP, Poland) underscored the growing threats to European sport posed by commercialisation, foreign ownership, and profit-driven structures, calling for a renewed EU commitment to preserve its social and grassroots dimensions. Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth and Sport, Glenn Micallef, echoed these concerns, describing the European Sport Model (ESM) as “under attack” and urging collective efforts to safeguard it.

The adopted report reaffirms the core principles of the ESM, recognising sport as a key contributor to social inclusion, equality, and good governance. It emphasises the importance of transparent and participatory decision-making involving athletes, fans, and underrepresented groups, and calls for strengthened EU support and funding across all levels of sport. Overall, the report represents a significant step towards reinforcing the EU’s commitment to protecting the European Sport Model as a public good that promotes democracy, unity, and social cohesion.