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

28 Mar 2025

Parliamentary launch for new EMD UK and Alliance report highlighting immense social value of group exercise

The Sport and Recreation Alliance were delighted to facilitate a Parliamentary launch for a new research report ‘The Social Value of Group Exercise’, commissioned by EMD UK, the national governing body for group exercise.

Read more Arrow Right
27 Mar 2025

Spring Statement: Sport, recreation and physical activity sector urges Government to protect investment to boost health and growth

The National Sector Partners Group* (NSPG) has issued the following statement in response to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.

Read more Arrow Right
26 Mar 2025

Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO Gives Evidence to DCMS Select Committee

On 25 March, CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance Lisa Wainwright MBE gave evidence to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s Game On Inquiry in Parliament.

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 logohelp me Angela logoHowden logoMarsh Sport logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo