EuropeActive

🎥 Highlights from our Community Building Conference on Cross-Sector Collaborations for Healthy Lifestyles 🇪🇺 On 5 November, Healthy Lifestyles for Europe project (HL4EU) partners gathered to connect, collaborate, and share ideas for fostering healthier lifestyles across Europe. The event featured inspiring keynotes, engaging panels, and dynamic discussions—showcasing the power of working together. Thank you to everyone who participated—your contributions make the HL4EU community thrive. Together, we’re creating opportunities and driving change. 💬 Share your favorite moments or insights in the comments!

On 5 November, the Healthy Lifestyles for Europe project (HL4EU), co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and coordinated by EuropeActive, hosted its Community Building Conference in #Brussels! The event brought together over 50 participants, including policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders from key sectors such as health ⚕️, mobility 🚲, sports ⛹️♀️, and physical activity. Together, we explored cross-sector strategies to promote healthier lifestyles and tackle non-communicable diseases (#NCDs) across Europe. 📄 The full conference report is now available here: https://lnkd.in/ee7s6EVJ A huge thank you to all our speakers and partners for their active participation and valuable contributions! Let’s continue working together to make healthier lifestyles accessible for everyone across Europe. 🌍 #HL4EU #HealthyLiving #NCDPrevention #CrossSectorCollaboration #PublicHealth

🎉 EFAF December Highlights: Collaboration, Policy, and Campaign Success 🎉 Last week, the European Fitness Associations Forum (EFAF) brought together 25 delegates from 16 national associations in Brussels for an impactful day of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Here’s what we covered: ✅ Hungarian Presidency Insights on Sport Policy 🇭🇺 Roland Liszkai (Council of the European Union, Ministry of Defence of Hungary) shared how sport in Hungary is a strategic sector, with initiatives like the "Every Day Hero" programme making physical activity more accessible and engaging. The Hungarian EU Presidency focused on sustainability, health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA), and building lasting legacies from major sporting events. ✅ Hungarian Presidency Insights on Health Policy 🏥 Kitti Almer (Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union) highlighted the adoption of Council Conclusions on Cardiovascular Health, recognising physical activity as a powerful tool for prevention and improved health outcomes across the EU. ✅ Government Support for Fitness 🇮🇪 Karl D. (Ireland Active) showcased strategies to secure government funding, implement national quality standards, and promote tax credits for gym memberships—essential steps to scale and strengthen the sector. ✅ Amplifying Campaign Success 🚀 Paul Walsh (Association Ambassador) and Anna Miškovičová (EuropeActive) led an interactive workshop on crafting impactful campaign messaging. Discussions tackled challenges like gym intimidation while focusing on creative storytelling to inspire stronger community engagement. ✅ Strategic Vision for EFAF and EU Affairs 📅 Kiera Wason-Milne and Alina Chebes (EuropeActive) introduced key strategic points for EFAF’s future, focusing on the forum as a space for sharing best practices, supporting advocacy efforts, and building stronger, sustainable associations. They also outlined EuropeActive's ambitions to strengthen its national association partnerships and EU-level influence moving into 2025. This forum was a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment to building a healthier, more active Europe. A big thank you to all the speakers and participants for such a productive day. Let’s carry this momentum forward into 2025! 💪 #EFAF #EuropeActive #Fitness #HealthPolicy #Collaboration #PhysicalActivity

📢 We’re Attending paf Europe 2025 EuropeActive is pleased to announce our partnership with Stable Events for the upcoming Physical Activity Facilities Forum Europe – a focused business event bringing together leaders and professionals from across the physical activity sector. 📅 25–28 February 2025 📍 Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen, Andermatt, Switzerland Over three days, the forum will provide a platform for industry stakeholders to connect through dedicated 1-to-1 meetings, share insights, and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of active spaces in Europe. With its mix of structured sessions and informal networking opportunities in the inspiring surroundings of Andermatt, the event promises to foster meaningful conversations and new connections. 🔗 Find out more and register here: www.paf-europe.com #WeAreAttending #pafEurope #EuropeActive #Collaboration

🌟 Celebrating the Success of the #BEACTIVEDAY Conference! We’re excited to share the incredible results of this year’s campaign: ✨ 21,162 events across Europe ✨ 588,287 participants engaged ✨ Over 11 million people reached through various communication and dissemination efforts These achievements mark a monumental step forward in fostering healthier, more active communities across Europe. Together, we’re shaping a more vibrant and inclusive future! 🌍💪 💡 Highlights from the conference: ➡️ Floor Van Houdt, Head of the Sports Unit at the European Commission, presented the remarkable outcomes of the European Week of Sport 2024 and updates of latest political developments in the field of sport. ➡️ A powerful panel on accessibility in sport, featuring experts such as: Olek Kazimirowski (Paralympic Team Belgium) Brenda O'Donnell (Active Disability Ireland) Gints Kuznecovs (Latvian Health and Fitness Association) Magdalena Spasovska (TAKT (Together Advancing Common Trust)/North Macedonia Active) ➡️ An insightful panel on mainstreaming sustainability in sport, with contributions from: Milos Bunic (SRFS Serbia) Christian Hoerl (Austrian Sports and Leisure Enterprises) Val Sizychas (Ireland Active) ➡️ Birgit Beger, CEO of the European Heart Network (EHN), delivered a compelling presentation on the critical role of cross-sectoral collaboration in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Her message was clear: “No sector alone has the solution. Cooperation creates the answer.” 🚀 Looking ahead to 2025: The campaign focus was unveiled—the pivotal role of physical activity in preventing and managing NCDs. This ambitious goal will shape a transformative year of action and advocacy. Thank you to all our speakers, panelists, national associations, partners and attendees for your inspiring contributions. 🎥 Stay tuned for the campaign wrap-up video, available soon! #EuropeActive #SportForAll #BeActive #NCDsPrevention #BEACTIVEDAY #EuropeanWeekOfSport

Thank you, Karl D., for sharing! We were delighted to welcome you, as CEO of Ireland Active, to our European Fitness Association Forum (EFAF) on the 12th of December. It was a pleasure to join forces in meeting with MEPs and discussing the important role our sector plays in health promotion and driving healthier, more active lifestyles. We look forward to continuing this important work together for a healthier, more active Europe. 💪🌍 #EuropeActive #IrelandActive #HealthPromotion #ActiveEurope #EFAF #Collaboration

EuropeActive’s Insights from Health Events 🌍 Recently, we attended several key events shaping the future of healthcare in Europe, gaining valuable insights into where the industry is heading: ✅ On 20 November, the POLITICO Health Care Summit: Next-Gen Health Care brought together global and European leaders to discuss the future of healthcare systems, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. The event highlighted the importance of harnessing data and technology to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery. ✅ On 21 November, the WHO Regional Office for Europe Webinar on Digital Health Literacy emphasised the importance of equipping both patients and professionals with the digital skills to navigate healthcare systems. Accessible tools, inclusive programmes, and a co-creation approach were highlighted as essential to bridging digital divides. ✅ On 3-4 December, the European Health Summit 2024 brought together over 500 participants, 90 speakers, and key leaders from European and international institutions to discuss major health challenges. The event featured Her Majesty, the Queen of the Belgians, and the newly appointed EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi. Key sessions for EuropeActive highlighted the critical role of prevention in achieving sustainable healthcare systems in Europe. We deeply appreciate MEP Ingeborg ter Laak for emphasising the value of physical activity and promoting active, healthy lifestyles as essential to public health, alongside the need to integrate prevention across all policies. Discussions also centred on transformative technologies like AI, quantum computing, and telehealth. These innovations promise major advancements in healthcare, but addressing disparities in infrastructure and cybersecurity across Member States will be critical. The summit also focused on the European Health Data Space (EHDS), which aims to create a unified framework for healthcare data sharing across Europe. While it holds great potential, challenges like varying levels of digital readiness, privacy concerns, and infrastructure gaps were key topics. Implementation is planned to begin in 2025, but success will depend on collaboration and harmonised standards. These events underscored the importance of collaboration and investment in shaping a more preventative and innovative healthcare future. EuropeActive is following these developments closely, recognising their potential to impact us all. 💡 🔗 Some relevant links: https://lnkd.in/exXNC56k https://lnkd.in/eUWK5XvJ https://lnkd.in/dRBRX8wF https://lnkd.in/eAmjkQbZ

🏅 We're proud to be part of the movement shaping the future of clean sport across Europe! 🏅 🇨🇾 This week, we joined an inspiring gathering in Limassol, Cyprus, for the European Week of Clean Sport (EWCS) Stakeholder Engagement Workshop and the "Clean Sport through Community Engagement" Conference. The event, co-funded by the European Union, showcased innovative approaches to promoting clean sport and featured insights from the World Anti-Doping Agency, UK Anti-Doping, the EWCS partners, and other global anti-doping experts📚 The workshops emphasised community-driven campaigns, inclusivity, and sustainability, while presenting practical tools like policy recommendations, campaign codes of conduct, and commitment pledges. 📌 A presentation by Fredrik Lauritzen addressed the growing prevalence of steroid use, particularly among young people, highlighting severe health risks and the importance of tackling doping in both professional and recreational physical activity. Looking ahead, EuropeActive will host European Week of Clean Sport Conference in January 2025 in Brussels, focusing on original initiatives of the campaign and addressing doping in recreational and non-organised sports. Many thanks to the Cyprus Anti-Doping Authority and EWCS partners for making this event a success! #EuropeanWeekofCleanSport #AntiDoping #EWCS2024 #CommunityEngagement #SportEthics #EUfunded

Last week, EuropeActive had the privilege of joining the All Policies for a Healthy Europe delegation during the European Parliament's plenary week in Strasbourg. We engaged in insightful discussions with seven Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from diverse political groups, as well as health advisors from the EPP and S&D parties. These conversations offered valuable insights into the health priorities of different political groups and the broader role of health within the EU's political agenda. Throughout these meetings, we emphasized the transformative potential of fitness and physical activity as powerful tools for preventing and managing NCDs and improving people's quality of life as well as demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of increasing physical activity at the population level. These efforts benefit individuals, communities, and the European economy. 💬 Our key message: Investments in health are not merely costs. Healthy populations form the foundation of resilient societies and competitive economies. We deeply appreciate the MEPs for taking the time to engage in these critical conversations and for recognizing the importance of preventive health efforts. EuropeActive remains committed to advocating for a stronger focus on prevention in EU health policies and for acknowledging the vital role of the fitness sector in enhancing health, fostering thriving communities, and strengthening Europe's economic future. 🙌 Bonus highlight: We had the unique opportunity to witness the live vote for the new College of Commissioners! Let’s continue building a healthier, more active Europe together! 💪

🇪🇺 Thrilled to Speak at the European Commission’s European Week of Sport Debrief Seminar! 🇪🇺 EuropeActive had the special opportunity to represent our national associations at the European Week of Sport Debrief Seminar. Our national associations and partners are dedicated driving force behind the #BEACTIVEDAY campaign, and it was a pleasure to share their incredible efforts across Europe. During our presentation, we highlighted the inspiring initiatives of our members, delved into campaign implementation strategies, showcased the resources we provide, and discussed the impact we achieve through this campaign. An interesting focus was our unique data collection methodology, enabled by 4GLOBAL PLC and their cutting-edge data dashboard, which sets a new standard for tracking and reporting impact. The day also featured a look back at European Week of Sport 2024, insights into communication activities, and a dynamic feedback session exploring ways to improve strategies and engagement. Additionally, was exciting to learn more about European School Sport Day (National School, University and Leisure Sport Federation) and MOVE Week (ISCA - International Sport and Culture Association)! A huge thank you to European Commission for such a productive and inspiring event. It’s exciting to be part of a collective effort that truly makes a difference in promoting active lifestyles across Europe. Let’s keep the momentum going! 💪✨ #EuropeanWeekOfSport #BeActiveDay #Collaboration #Innovation