TAFISA Joins Call to Protect EU Funding for Sport in the next MFF

TAFISA, together with more than 150 signatories from the European and international sport and physical activity ecosystem, has released a coordinated joint statement urging EU institutions to prioritise sport and physical activity in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034.  

This united call for action comes at a crucial time, as the European Union begins shaping its next long-term budget. The statement highlights the vital role sport and physical activity play in addressing societal challenges and delivering tangible economic, health, and social benefits, and urges the EU to secure dedicated funding across flagship programs such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and EU4Health.

Research shows that every €1 invested in grassroots sport generates a return of €5 in broader economic and social benefits. Sport also contributes around 2.12% to the EU’s GDP and employs over 5 million people. But its full potential can only be unlocked with consistent, long-term investment and integration into EU policymaking.

The joint statement outlines five key demands:

• Increase funding for sport and physical activity under the MFF
• Preserve and expand Erasmus+ Sport
• Strengthen sport and physical activity in EU4Health
• Secure investment in sport and physical activity through EU cohesion policies
• Recognise sport as a strategic sector in EU economic policy

With more than 150 signatories — including European and International associations, sports federations and clubs, NGOs and businesses — this is one of the largest collective calls ever made on behalf of the European sport and physical activity sector.

The coming months will be crucial. The European Commission, Parliament, and Council are all expected to publish their proposals for the next MFF before the summer. The full joint statement can be read here: https://fesi-sport.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MFF-sport-joint-statement-May-2025-1.pdf