Denise Offermann, EWF Project Coordinator and EWF Technical Committee Member, participated in the Annual Partners Meeting organised by the EOC EU Office in Brussels.
The meeting brought together key European sport stakeholders to discuss strategic developments in sport policy, funding opportunities, governance, and future priorities for the European Sport Model.
A report prepared by Denise Offermann following this important meeting is available below.
The EWF looks forward to further strengthening its cooperation with the EOC EU Office and to developing its first joint EWF–EOC/EU initiatives and activities.
Report prepared by Denise Offermann
The EOC EU Office held its Annual Partners intense 2 day Meeting on June 4-5, 2026, in Brussels. This meeting served as a collaborative platform for European sport stakeholders to discuss policy, funding, and the future of the European Sport Model.
The EWF, as a new member of the EOC EU Office, took part as an observer and student, but also to exchange views and experiences in the various subjects listed below.
Key Highlights & Discussions
- EU Funding & Financial Framework: The meeting featured updates on the current and next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028 – 2034. This followed a joint event on June 4 where the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Olympic Committees (EOC) urged for sport to be embedded across all EU funding instruments for 2028–2034.
- It was discussed and clarified that the next MFF should explicitly recognise sport across EU Funding instruments and empower local and regional authorities like the EWF to invest in sport.
By recognising National and European Sports federations next to National Olympic Committees as key players in concretely translating EU objectives into practice. In this way, Europe can unlock greater social impact, stronger regional development and lasting benefits for its communities.
- European Sport Model: Discussions centred on a “Strategic Vision for Sport in Europe,” examining policy developments, governance, and support for grassroots initiatives.
- International Participation: Delegates reviewed the status regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international sports competitions.
- Stakeholder Dialogue: Partner organizations presented updates on their activities and shared best practices, while the EOC EU Office reported on its latest initiatives and services.
Context and Strategic Advocacy
The 2026 meeting was part of a broader advocacy effort to ensure sport is recognised as a strategic investment for a resilient Europe. Sport needs more funding.
It builds upon ongoing projects like STRONG (athletes’ rights), OCEAN (carbon neutrality), SAFE HARBOUR and GENDER EQUALITY FOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AT GOVERNING EUROPEAN SPORTS AUTHORITIES.
Athlete and Coach Mobility: The new framework proposes expanding mobility activities beyond staff to include athletes, coaches, and grassroots participants.
There are good and important projects to look into as EWF in order to create a start of the Sport Erasmus+ Funding Application.
I propose a physical meeting in Kosovo to start forming EWF proposals for such applications.
Important is an ongoing 6 year working plan in certain areas where improvement is needed to allow further healthy, consistent development of our beloved Sport in Europe.