Last week, the European Parliament adopted its report on “The Role of EU Policies in Shaping the European Sport Model.” The European Athletes and Players Association (EAPA) actively contributed to the consultation process, ensuring that the voices of athletes were heard in shaping this important policy milestone.
EAPA strongly welcomes Parliament’s recognition that the European Sport Model must operate in full compliance with EU law and case law, upholding transparency, accountability and good governance. The resolution confirms that sport in Europe should not exist outside the principles of the European social model, but rather reflect them: grounded in solidarity, fairness, and respect for workers’ rights.
Crucially, the report acknowledges athletes as workers and athlete associations as legitimate social partners in the governance of sport. This marks a significant step forward in embedding social dialogue within European sport, ensuring that the athletes who make it all possible are properly represented in decisions that affect their careers and livelihoods.
EAPA particularly welcomes the Parliament’s call for fair remuneration, decent working conditions, and comprehensive well-being safeguards across all levels of sport. These elements are essential to building a sustainable, values-based European Sport Model that protects both the integrity of sport and the dignity of those within it.
We commend the Parliament’s leadership and remain committed to working constructively with the European Commission as it prepares its forthcoming Communication. A European Sport Model that reflects EU core values such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights, is the foundation for a legitimate, inclusive and sustainable future for sport in Europe.