The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) welcomes the European Parliament’s plenary vote supporting a stronger dedicated allocation for sport and physical activity in the future Erasmus+ programme 2028–2034, endorsing the increase from 1.9% to 4.1% of the programme’s budget previously approved by the Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) at the end of September.
This vote sends a strong political message: sport must not be treated as a secondary priority in the next EU budget. Its contribution to European society goes far beyond competition. Regular physical activity supports mental and physical health, helps young people develop essential skills and build social connections, and contributes to preventing non-communicable diseases. Investing in sport today means healthier citizens, more inclusive communities and lower healthcare costs tomorrow.
“Sport is not a luxury that can be sacrificed when budgets are tight. It is an investment in Europe’s health, its young people and its future. By confirming the position adopted in CULT, the European Parliament has sent a clear signal that the next Erasmus+ programme must reflect the real value of sport and physical activity for our societies. We warmly welcome this vote and call on Member States to build on this momentum,” said Jérôme Pero, FESI Secretary General.
FESI congratulates Rapporteur Bogdan Zdrojewski and his team, as well as the Members of the European Parliament who supported a stronger budget for sport, for their continued work in securing greater recognition and funding for the sector. The endorsement of the 4.1% allocation in plenary marks an important step forward, bringing the programme closer to the sector’s ambition of dedicating at least 5% of Erasmus+ funding to sport and physical activity.
This progress reflects sustained mobilisation by FESI and the Sport & Physical Activity Coalition. In December 2025, the coalition published a joint statement gathering 136 signatures from organisations across the sport and physical activity sector, calling for stronger recognition and dedicated funding for sport in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and Erasmus+ programme.
However, this is an important first victory, not the end of the process. The next challenge will be the negotiations with Member States in the Council, where the future budget and the allocation for sport will be decided. FESI urges national governments to follow the European Parliament’s lead and defend a strong, clearly identified allocation for sport and physical activity in the final Erasmus+ programme.
At a time when Europe faces growing challenges related to public health, social inclusion and young people’s well-being, reducing ambition for sport would be a false economy. A stronger Erasmus+ programme can help expand access to physical activity, support grassroots sport organisations, develop skills and strengthen communities across Europe. Member States now have the opportunity to turn the Parliament’s ambition into a lasting investment in Europe’s future. By maintaining a dedicated allocation for sport, national governments can help ensure that its benefits are recognised and supported across all Member States, rather than leaving this essential investment vulnerable to competing priorities.
FESI will continue working with its coalition partners and engaging with EU institutions and national decision-makers to preserve and strengthen this progress throughout the upcoming negotiations, with the ultimate goal of securing at least 5% of Erasmus+ funding for sport and physical activity.
About FESI: Founded in 1960 FESI – the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry represents the interests of approximately 1.800 sporting goods manufacturers (85% of the European market) through its National Sporting Goods Industry Federations and its directly affiliated member companies. 70-75% of FESI’s membership is made up of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. In total, the European Sporting Goods Industry employs over 700.000 EU citizens and has an annual turnover of some 81 billion euro.
Contact: Ariane Gatti, FESI Senior Communication & Policy Manager / [email protected] / +32 274 08 94
