The Council acknowledges that strong, comparable data on sport participation, economic value and policy impacts are essential for effective sport-policy making. It emphasises that the economic and social role of sport is growing, yet evidence and statistics remain fragmented across Member States.

The conclusions invite Member States to continue developing national sport satellite accounts and improve information systems that underpin policy decisions.

The document further invites the Presidency, the Member States and the Commission to enhance cooperation between sport stakeholders, statistical offices and policy-makers, and to integrate sport-related data into EU statistical programmes. In particular, the Commission is asked to explore how EU funding instruments could support national efforts to develop sport-related statistics, share best practices and embed sport data into policy formation.

 

The Council recognises that promoting physical activity across all age groups is crucial for improving public health, preventing disease and ensuring sustainable health systems. It expresses concern that many Europeans remain physically inactive, leading to increased health and economic costs. The conclusions promote the “Health-Enhancing Physical Activity” (HEPA) approach, which encourages movement in daily life — at work, school, transport, and leisure — alongside organised sport.

 

Member States are invited to develop cross-sectoral strategies that integrate physical activity into health, education, transport and urban planning policies, while strengthening research, data collection and cooperation with civil society. The Council calls for national monitoring systems, measurable targets and the sharing of best practices.

 

Importantly, the Council invites the European Commission to consider establishing an annual European Week of Sport to raise awareness, showcase good practices, and encourage citizens throughout Europe to be more active in their daily lives.

The Presidency recognises that the manipulation of sports results—often linked to betting fraud, organised crime, and corruption—poses a serious threat to the integrity, credibility, and social role of sport. It emphasises that match-fixing undermines fair play, damages public trust, and has far-reaching economic and ethical consequences.

 

The conclusions call for coordinated action among Member States, EU institutions, and the sport movement to prevent, detect, and sanction match manipulation. Cooperation between sport organisations, law enforcement, and betting operators is deemed essential to address illegal betting and ensure transparent monitoring systems.

 

The Presidency invites the European Commission to work with international partners such as the Council of Europe to promote a common framework, support data exchange and education programmes, and strengthen awareness among athletes and officials. A European strategy is encouraged to ensure a coherent approach against the manipulation of sports results across all levels of competition.