To help inform our members and stakeholders, the EuropeActive EU Affairs Team have developed a series of position and information papers on main policy areas which directly affect the fitness sector.
These papers may be downloaded by clicking the relevant link below.
Active Ageing and the Role of the Fitness and Physical Activity Sector
This paper outlines the state of play of European demographics, characterised by a rapidly ageing population. It then explores the concept of ‘Active Ageing’ and the role the fitness and physical activity sector can play to support healthy lifestyles for elderly Europeans.
21.08 EuropeActive_Active Ageing and the Role of the Fitness and Physical Activity Sector.pdf (239.67 KB)
Sustainability and Green Transition in the Fitness Sector
The European Green Deal has been placed at the heart of EU policymaking and ambitions to make Europe “a climate neutral continent by 2050”, pushing the sports industry to adopt more environmentally friendly governance and regulations, and influencing the European fitness and physical activity sector to take responsibility in green and sustainable issues.
21.11 EuropeActive_Sustainability and Green Transition in the Fitness Sector.pdf (229.64 KB)
Education, Training and Skills Development in the Fitness and Physical Activity Sector
This information paper looks at the current pressing challenges in the areas of education, training and skills in Europe, and the European Commission ambitions to address them through the European Skills Agenda, before tackling those issues specifically for the Fitness and Physical Activity Sector.
21.08 EuropeActive_ Education, training and skills development in the fitness and PA sector.pdf (241.45 KB)
The Fitness and Physical Activity Sectoral Skills Policy Context
The European Fitness and Physical Activity Sector serves 55 million consumers, generates 18.9 billion Euro in revenues, consists of 62,775 facilities and employs over 750,000 people. Fitness is the largest participation sport and plays a major role in making a more active and healthier Europe. This information paper looks at the work done by EuropeActive to promote the European Fitness and Physical Activity Sector in the sectoral skills policy context.
21.08 EuropeActive_The Fitness and Physical Activity Sectoral Skills Policy Context.pdf (215.95 KB)
Obesity in Europe
The number of obese people has nearly tripled in the world since 1975, with over 650 million people now classified as obese. Obesity is a chronic disease defined by the World Health Organisation as an excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Yet, it is a preventable disease, including through regular physical activity.
21.08 EuropeActive_Obesity in Europe.pdf (194.77 KB)
State of Play of Anti-Doping in Sport across Europe
Anti-doping work has traditionally focused on the detection and prevention of doping in elite and competitive sport, notably via National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs). In recent years however, it has become generally recognised that doping may be becoming a serious societal and public health threat as it spreads into recreational sport and physical activity.
EuropeActive_State of play of Anti-Doping in sport across Europe 21.09.pdf (203.99 KB)
The European Week of Sport
Physical inactivity levels are reaching all-time highs across Europe, which is concerning for individuals, communities, countries, and the European Union. Since 2009, the EU gained competences to promote sport and physical activity, which prompted the European Week of Sport campaign.
EuropeActive_The European Week of Sport 21.07.pdf (208.15 KB)
VAT rates in Europe
With over 62,000 facilities and 27 billion Euros of annual revenues, the European health and fitness sector is a significant contributor to taxation revenue across the EU. In regard to rates of VAT applied to our sector across the EU, three central points are worth considering.
21.07 EuropeActive_VAT rates in Europe.pdf (488.54 KB)
Cancer and Physical Activity
Directly or indirectly, every European is affected by the devastating impact of someone with cancer. The disease not only causes immeasurable pain for the individual and the families touched by it, but it is also negatively impacting our society at large. It is well understood that physical activity can play a crucial role in preventing cancer, in improving cancer treatment, and for cancer recovery and increasing the quality of life of survivors.
21.10 EuropeActive_Cancer and Physical Activity.pdf (155.06 KB)
EU WORK PLAN FOR SPORT (2021-2024)
The fourth Work Plan for Sport for 2021-2024 , running from 1 January 2021 till 30 June 2024, focuses on antidoping and innovation, while also stressing the importance of physical activity for citizens’ health and wellbeing.
21.10 EuropeActive_EU Work Plan for Sport.pdf (127.98 KB)
Innovation and Digitalisation in Europe
Digitalisation is rapidly and deeply transforming all areas of our society and economy, and in Europe the fitness sector is no exception. In recent years, a wide range of innovative technologies and online solutions have been developed for physical activity. For its part, the EU has an ambition to achieve a large digital transformation by 2050.
21.07 EuropeActive_Innovation and Digitalisation in Europe.pdf (166.83 KB)
Promoting Health Enhancing Physical Activity
The detriments caused by the lack of physical activity in Europe are well recorded, as are the significant economic costs associated with the effects of sedentary lifestyles and their related health problems, especially in view of the fact that most European societies show increasing numbers of people being overweight and obese:
21.09 EuropeActive_Promoting Health Enhancing Physical Activity.pdf (263.17 KB)