Sport – the (underestimated) bridge builder! 

Sport is omnipresent in the lives of many. Some of you have probably practiced it since childhood, while others discovered this passion at a later stage. It can also take a form as simple as watching and cheering for your favourite athletes. The power of sport lies in bringing people together and building strong communities.

For that reason, sport should be seen as an opportunity to integrate Europe – a chance to strengthen our shared values and connections. The European Union should embrace the potential of sport to support the enlargement process, manifesting EU principles as well as fostering a European mindset. 

Community 

We have all heard about the benefits of sport for our physical and mental health, but sport can also push us forward and build a sense of belonging, because sport is also about friendships!

In sport, social and cultural differences matter less, as it promotes empathy, understanding, and inclusion. It builds trust among participants, which is essential in creating stronger bonds with others. Additionally, sport encourages reconciliation and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Allowing communities to participate in the planning of sports activities can improve the organisation of events, so that people’s expectations are met, engaging them more effectively.

EU policy: what is the role of sport?

What is the European Union’s current policy on sport? It is built on three pillars: a) integrity and values in sport; b) socio-economic and sustainable dimensions of sport; and c) participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity. These are outlined in the EU Work Plan for Sport 2024-2027, which emphasises fair play, gender equality, transparency, and sustainable sport. 

Additionally, sport events are supported by the Erasmus+ programme, through which physical activity projects can receive funding. This programme is open to all EU Member States, as well as partner and eligible third countries. Two elements are particularly important in the context of community building: non-profit European sport events and international capacity-building projects. Their aim is to promote inclusion and common values, to foster cooperation, support integration, and develop skills such as independence and leadership. Beyond Erasmus+, there are initiatives like the European Week of Sport in which the Eastern Partnership Countries (EaP) also participate, the #BeActive Awards or the EU Sport Forum. 

But how does sport connect to the European mindset and integration? For me, the European mindset is based on values and principles, which are also taught and acquired through sport. In sport, to maintain healthy competition we must treat opponents with respect and recognise their dignity and rights. As outlined in EU treaties, the rule of law is one of the foundational values, ensuring that everyone is equal before the law. Sport reflects this by teaching discipline, respect for rules, and emphasising the importance of accountability and responsibility for one’s actions. 

Moreover, the EU itself emphasises the connection between sport, solidarity, openness and integrity, which becomes visible looking at how physical activities are governed in the Member States. These values and principles are inseparable from the European mindset shared by over 450 million citizens. 

Sport and EU Enlargement – it’s a match! 

Now that we know how sport is perceived and promoted by the EU, its Member States and partner countries as a tool to unite people, the question that follows is: what significance does sport have for the enlargement process, and how can it help to build a stronger union?

For instance, EU funding for capacity-building projects should be open to Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. Although EaP countries participate in initiatives such as the European Week of Sport, it is still largely too decentralised and mainly driven by regional and local projects. More interstate events are needed to integrate candidate and partner states with the EU27.

In the future, I would like to see a two-week sports youth initiative organised in EU Member States and EaP countries that focuses on team-based activities, with diverse teams made up of participants from both the EU and EaP. During these two weeks, participants would also engage in joint capacity training sessions, networking events and conversations about the future of Europe. Such an initiative would foster a sense of community, strengthen the European mindset and shared values. 

The EU cannot neglect sport in its enlargement process. It is too important for building the sense of belonging.  

Building bridges 

Have you ever thought about sport in this way? Regardless whether you are a citizen of an EU or an EaP country, I hope you will now see sport as a true bridge builder – a mechanism that can bring us closer together. We can root for different teams and athletes, but through sport we can create a genuine union, bound by a shared vision and values. These invaluable aspects of sport can help future enlargement, because it all starts with people seeing sport and the EU as part of their lives. 

The EU cannot neglect sport in its enlargement process. It is too important for building a sense of belonging.  

Sources:

Sahrawat, M. (2022, April). The Role Of Sports In Promoting Social Inclusion And Community Cohesion. Isara Solutions. 

Council of the European Union and Representatives of the Governments of the Member States. (2021, December 13). Resolution on the key features of a European Sport Model (2021/C 501/01). Official Journal of the European Union, C 501, 1–7. 

Council of the European Union & Representatives of the Governments of the Member States. (2024, June 3). Resolution on the European Union Work Plan for Sport (1 July 2024 — 31 December 2027) (C/2024/3527). Official Journal of the European Union. 

European Commission. (2025, September 29). Sport actions, Erasmus+. 

European Commission. (2025, September 12). European Week of Sport. 

European Commission. (2025, September 18). About sport in the EU. 

European Union. (2026, January 1). Facts and figures about the European Union.