SHAPING EU SPORT: Documenting the Evolution of EU Sport Policy

The Erasmus+ sport project SHAPING EU SPORT, which documented the development of European Union sport policy, concluded with a ceremonial event at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU in Brussels (12 December 2025). The event gathered European sport policymakers, experts, and former Chairs of the EU Council Working Party on Sport to reflect on the evolution of EU sport policy since its formal inclusion in the EU agenda in 2009.

Dr. Vassos Koutsioundas (BA, FCA, PhD), Acting Director General of the Cyprus Sport Organisation and Chair of the Council Working Party on Sport in 2012 and 2026, highlighted the importance of cooperation and diversity: “The greatest achievements of EU sport policy have emerged not from imposing a single vision, but from embracing diversity and forging consensus that reflects our common values.”

A central outcome of the project is the Shaping EU Sport booklet and the interactive website www.shapingeusport.eu, which brings together EU Council and European Commission sport policy documents and developments.

Elena Malíková, Project Manager and former Chair during the Slovak Presidency, emphasised: “While EU sport policy has achieved much over the past decade, these accomplishments were often dispersed. This project makes them visible and accessible by consolidating them into an interactive website and publication.”

Presenting the website, Kairis Ulp, Head of the Estonian Sport Register and former Chair during the Estonian Presidency, noted: “This website is not only a historical overview, but a practical tool for sport policymakers, experts, and the wider public.”

The project was implemented by partners from Slovakia (Run and Smile), Cyprus (Cyprus Sport Organisation) and Estonia (Estonian Foundation of Sport Education and Information) and supports long-term cooperation and sustainability in European sport policy.