European Aquatics joins 116 organisations in calling for stronger EU support for sport and physical activity in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034)

European Aquatics has co-signed a Joint Statement alongside 116 organisations from across the European sport and physical activity ecosystem. The statement calls on EU institutions to prioritise sport and physical activity in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 and in the future Erasmus+ Programme.

The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is the EU’s seven-year budget plan, setting overall spending ceilings and defining how resources are allocated across key policy areas. On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented its first full proposal for the MFF 2028–2034, outlining a budget designed to modernise EU investment, streamline funding tools, and support priorities such as competitiveness, resilience, cohesion, education (including Erasmus+), and external action. In light of this proposal, European Aquatics and the coalition of stakeholders decided to take action to ensure that sport and physical activity are appropriately recognised and supported within the EU’s future funding priorities.

The signatories represent a wide range of stakeholders in the European sport and physical activity ecosystem, including national and European federations, fitness and health organisations, universities, research centres, grassroots initiatives, NGOs, local authorities, and industry partners. The Joint Statement emphasises that sport and physical activity contribute to Europe’s social, economic, and health objectives.

The signatories highlight the sector’s economic and social impact, including its contribution to GDP, employment, health promotion, inclusion, community engagement, skills development, and European values such as solidarity and cooperation. The statement calls for EU policies and funding programmes to better reflect these contributions.

The paper outlines several recommendations for the next MFF:

1. Increasing the overall Erasmus+ budget while maintaining a visible identity for sport;
2. Earmarking a dedicated portion of the Erasmus+ budget for sport and physical activity;
3. Ensuring balanced governance at both EU and national levels;
4. Simplifying funding procedures and improving transparency for all organisations;
5. Strengthening links between sport, health, education, and inclusion;
6. Supporting sustainability, innovation, and public–private partnerships;
7. Expanding cooperation with neighbouring regions through Erasmus+;
8. Integrating sport and physical activity across all relevant EU funding streams.

Commenting on the statement, António Silva European Aquatics President said:
“As the EU prepares the next Multiannual Financial Framework, European Aquatics urges policymakers to give sport and physical activity the recognition and dedicated support they deserve. Investing in sport—through a stronger Erasmus+ envelope with a clear budget for physical activity—is an investment in Europe’s health, inclusion and long-term resilience. Strengthening funding for grassroots participation, education and innovation will allow our sector to continue delivering social, economic and community benefits across all Member States.”

European Aquatics continues to engage with EU institutions, Member States, and partners across the sport ecosystem to ensure these recommendations are considered in the negotiations for the next MFF.

The post European Aquatics joins 116 organisations in calling for stronger EU support for sport and physical activity in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034) first appeared on European Aquatics®.