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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

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.