27 Jan 2014

European Commission reveals importance of sport to European economy

European Commission reveals importance of sport to European economy news article image

A memorandum from the European Commission reveals that sport, in its broadest sense, adds €294 billion in gross value to the EU economy.

The memorandum also reveals:

  • 4.5 million people in Europe are directly employed in sport – that’s 2.1% of the total EU workforce
  • twelve to 15 million international trips are made worldwide each year for the main purpose of watching sporting events
  • sport is a growth engine for the wider economy – generating value added and jobs across a range of sectors including manufacturing and services, as well as stimulating development and innovation.

For more information about the economic impact of sport in the EU visit the European Commission website.

To find out more about our European policy work visit our policy pages.

Latest News

14 Aug 2025

Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month: Spotlight on the England Kabaddi Federation

Exploring how a traditional South Asian sport is building community, fostering inclusion, and shaping a more diverse and representative sporting landscape across the United Kingdom.

Read more Arrow Right
12 Aug 2025

Empowering Young People to Lead Through Inclusion, Innovation, and Partnership

Each year on 12 August, International Youth Day shines a spotlight on the vital contributions young people make in building a better, more inclusive world. The 2025 theme, “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships”, underscores the creativity, leadership, and collaborative spirit that young people bring to addressing global challenges.

Read more Arrow Right
31 Jul 2025

A United Voice for Sport and Recreation: Alliance launches new five-year strategy

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has today published its new five-year strategy, titled ‘A United Voice for Sport and Recreation’.

Read more Arrow Right

Become a member

Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!

Register now

Our Partners

Admincontrol logoAir IT logoGateley Legal logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo