ICSSPE participates in the EU Sport Forum 2026 in Cyprus

ICSSPE took part in the EU Sport Forum 2026, held on 15–16 April in Cyprus, joining key stakeholders from across Europe to discuss the future of sport policy and cooperation at European level. As the European Commission’s flagship event for sport, the Forum brought together policymakers, sport organisations, researchers, and practitioners to exchange perspectives on key challenges facing the sector.

This year’s Forum addressed central topics including mental health in sport, integrity and investment, solidarity and competitive balance, and the role of sport in the Mediterranean region. Across sessions, discussions focused on how sport systems can better respond to societal, economic, and health-related challenges.

 

A recurring theme was the need to ensure that sport policies translate into real opportunities for participation. Despite ongoing efforts, barriers such as financial constraints, accessibility, and lack of confidence continue to limit engagement for many individuals.

The discussions highlighted the importance of placing people and communities at the centre of sport systems. Alongside organised sport, community-based and informal sport were recognised as essential for reaching wider populations and supporting lifelong participation. The diversity of motivations for engaging in sport—from performance to health and social connection—was very much emphasised.

 

The Forum further underlined the value of inclusive governance, with strong calls to involve young people and diverse stakeholders in shaping sport policy to ensure it reflects current and future needs.

The role of sport and physical activity in promoting public health and preventing non-communicable diseases was also emphasized by the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef. The need to better align investment with the preventive value of sport emerged as an important point of reflection during his speech.

 

The EU Sport Forum 2026 once again highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared action in strengthening the role of sport in society.