Brussels, 15 October 2026 – EuropeActive welcomes the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education’s (CULT) vote on the future Erasmus+ programme 2028–2034, proposing to increase the share of funding dedicated to sport and physical activity from 1.9% to 4.1%, while also earmarking sport and physical activity as a standalone heading.
EuropeActive further welcomes the proposed increase in the overall Erasmus+ budget for 2028–2034 to €47.39 billion, representing an increase of around 16% compared with the €40.8 billion proposed by the European Commission in July 2025. In contrast, the current 2021–2027 Erasmus+ programme’s budget sits at approximately €26 billion.
EuropeActive considers this an important step towards ensuring that the next EU budget (Multiannual Financial Framework) better reflects the contribution and potential of sport and physical activity across Europe.
‘More than doubling the share for sport and physical activity is a clear political signal. Europe cannot tackle physical inactivity, and its health and social consequences, on a 1.9% share of Erasmus+. Rapporteur Zdrojewski and the CULT Committee have taken a big step towards 5%, and the full Parliament now has the chance to lock in that momentum on 22 October. This is an investment in Europe’s health, not an expense.’ Kai Troll, CEO of EuropeActive
The vote follows more than a year of advocacy by EuropeActive and its partners as part of the Sport and Physical Activity Coalition. In a joint statement coordinated by FESI, 116 organisations from across the sport and physical activity movement, that included 22 EuropeActive members, called for stronger EU support for sport and physical activity in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, highlighting the need for greater recognition and investment in the sector. Ahead of the European Commission’s proposal in May 2025, more than 150 organisations also came together around to call for stronger recognition and funding for sport and physical activity in the next EU budget and Erasmus+ programme. EuropeActive subsequently called for at least 5% of Erasmus+ funding to be dedicated to sport and physical activity and continued its engagement with EU decisionmakers.
Read the joint statement:
Read more about the joint statement: https://www.europeactive.eu/blog/news-2/europeactive-joins-116-organisations-in-calling-for-stronger-eu-support-for-sport-and-physical-activity-in-the-next-multiannual-financial-framework-mff-2028-2034-123
EuropeActive congratulates Rapporteur Bogdan Zdrojewski and the CULT Committee for recognising the importance of sport and physical activity in the future Erasmus+ programme and supporting a stronger dedicated allocation. While the proposed 4.1% represents a significant increase from the current 1.9%, EuropeActive will continue to advocate for the 5% ambition throughout the next stages of the process.
As the report moves towards the European Parliament’s plenary vote on Thursday, 22 October 2026, EuropeActive reiterates the importance of:
Increasing the overall Erasmus+ budget while maintaining a clear and visible identity for sport and physical activity within the programme.
Earmarking at least 5% of the Erasmus+ budget specifically for sport and physical activity, ensuring predictable, long-term support for the sector.
Ensuring balanced governance, through strong EU-level coordination and dedicated funding for sport and physical activity at National Agency level.
EuropeActive calls on all Members of the European Parliament to strongly support MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski’s report at next Thursday’s plenary vote, building on the positive momentum generated by the CULT Committee and helping secure a stronger future for sport and physical activity within Erasmus+.
