Europe in Action's Mission

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Europe is facing increasing challenges in terms of widespread physical inactivity which negatively impacts all of society. The Eurobarometer survey shows that during the last 10 years the proportion of those who never exercise or play sport has increased from 39% to 46%. Stakeholders from the European Grassroots Sport Movement have placed emphasis on rectifying this worrying trend however there remains a need for further action.  

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Europe in Action aims to promote participation in sport and physical activity by providing non-formal educational activities and knowledge-exchange opportunities across Europe, transferring existing key policies into practical action. Europe in Action will guide local and national stakeholders during the implementation of practical actions, focusing on identified key policy areas to achieve a more active society.  

 

The project will host two European conferences and three “Active Meetings” which offer an opportunity to bring together grassroots sport stakeholders for knowledge and experience sharing and the presentation of case studies and good practices. The events will also provide a pivotal moment for the project partners to present and disseminate key findings from the project.  

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Needs Analysis

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Europe is continuing to face many challenges that are impacting citizen’s health and demanding new ways of thinking and acting which has been significantly emphasised by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes major social, economic, environmental and demographic shifts, as well as the ongoing struggle to close the gap that exists in a person’s capability to conduct a heathy lifestyle. In the European Union (EU), two thirds of the adult population do not reach the recommended physical activity levels which has been rated as the fourth leading risk factor for mortality, triggering an estimated 1 million deaths per year. 

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There is an increasing need to raise awareness of the physical inactivity epidemic and to promote the benefits of living an active, healthy lifestyle. Physical activity crosses social, cultural and economic boundaries, and builds bridges and bonds like little else can. Physical activity increases physical, mental and social health and wellbeing, reduces environmental and economic costs, preserves cultural diversity, and creates peace and harmony. By introducing physical activity into the lives of all people, it is possible to bring joy to citizens and communities throughout Europe.