EuropeActive

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

🏆 EuropeActive was honoured to attend the #BeActive Awards Gala Night, organised by the European Commission. This inspiring event highlighted outstanding initiatives from across Europe that promote physical activity and health. Here are the winners of this year’s awards: ✨ BeActive Education Award – SPORTUNION Österreich: Recognised for encouraging children to be active beyond traditional physical education through creative after-school programs and active school days. ✨ BeActive Workplace Award – Métropole de Lyon: Celebrated for exemplary initiatives that motivate employees to embrace physical activity during work hours and beyond. ✨ BeActive Local Hero Award – Alessio Bernabò: Honoured for inspiring his local community to engage in physical activity and promoting an active lifestyle. ✨ BeActive Across Generations Award – Fundacja Rozwoju Sportu: Acknowledged for promoting inter-generational sport and activities that bring people of all ages together. These projects exemplify how physical activity can enrich lives, connect communities, and build a healthier Europe. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees! 👏 #EuropeActive #BeActive #PhysicalActivity #CommunityHealth

Thank you to milon industries GmbH for the kind invitation to the inspiring World Congress 2024 in Augsburg last week! With bold innovations, a vision for the future, and a truly unforgettable event, milon continues to push boundaries in the fitness and health sector. Held at the historic Parktheater Göggingen, the event brought together over 400 industry leaders to witness groundbreaking product launches, including the Q Hip Thrust and Q Dips, alongside cutting-edge features like Self-Onboarding and Quick Train. The day celebrated innovation, teamwork, and excellence, ending on a high note with an incredible performance by The BossHoss. We are proud to have milon as a valued President's Council member at EuropeActive. Their commitment to innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to advance the fitness and physical activity sector across Europe. Here’s to shaping the future of fitness together! 💪✨

🌟 #ThrowbackThursday to our incredible #BEACTIVEDAY event in Brussels! 🌟 Physical activity isn’t just about moving—it’s about improving our health, boosting our mood, and creating stronger communities. That’s why #BEACTIVEDAY is so inspiring: it’s a powerful reminder of the positive impact staying active has on our lives. This year, the event in Brussels, organised in collaboration with Manzul Tavrus Akhmedov from AKVMOVE, was a true celebration of movement, inclusion, and sustainability. Even beyond Brussels, many activities embraced this year’s focus on accessibility for people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone had the chance to enjoy the joy and benefits of being active—all while prioritising sustainability 🌍. 🎉 And here’s the exciting part: the official results of this year’s pan-European campaign are coming soon! Spoiler alert—we’ve surpassed last year’s achievements! 🙌 Let’s keep the momentum going. Whether it’s a big event or a small step, every effort counts toward building a more active, inclusive, and healthier world. #BEACTIVEDAY #PhysicalActivity #Inclusion #Sustainability #EuropeanWeekOfSport #Accessibility ____ David Stalker FCIMSPA, Kai Troll, European Commission, Silke Frank, Jana Havrdová, Katarina A., Marco Mazzanti, Janosch Marx, John Treharne, Steven Ward, Marcel Boots, Kent Orrgren, Nathalie Schwartz, Anna Miškovičová, Kiera Wason-Milne, Ilaria Ragni, Gisella Guglielminotti, Ioana Nicoleta Marica, Emilia Happel, Priscilla Kazumba, Schaerbeek 1030 Schaarbeek

📢 A Unified Step Forward for Fitness Standards: Introducing The Active Standard! We at EuropeActive are thrilled to support the launch of The Active Standard (TAS) by ukactive, a vital new certification designed to elevate quality and compliance across fitness and leisure facilities in the UK. Aligned with FITcert – EuropeActive's trusted scheme for quality assurance – and Quest, TAS sets a strong foundation for operators of all sizes to demonstrate: ✅ Compliance with UK laws ✅ Commitment to professional and safeguarding standards ✅ Excellence in health and safety ✅ Consumer trust through transparent certification This milestone builds on the partnership between EuropeActive, ukactive, and other industry leaders, including Sport England, CIMSPA, Right Directions (Management) Ltd, and NEN. Together, we’re advancing a shared mission of raising industry standards and fostering trust across the UK and Europe. For operators, TAS not only solidifies consumer confidence but also opens doors for greater integration into public health initiatives and partnerships. We’re proud to see TAS complementing FITcert, providing a seamless pathway for facilities to demonstrate their excellence while strengthening their resilience and reputation. To find out more about this exciting development, click here: https://lnkd.in/eJR7V4_A Let’s work together to create a safer, more professional, and trusted fitness industry for all. #TheActiveStandard #ukactive #EuropeActive #FITcert #nen #QualityStandards #FitnessIndustry #Collaboration

🌍 EuropeActive at the ISCA Moving People – Moving Europe Conference in Ljubljana 🇸🇮 On November 12–13, EuropeActive had the honor of participating in the ISCA - International Sport and Culture Association conference, themed #HealthyLifestyle4All. This inspiring event brought together experts and advocates in grassroots sport and health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) to champion equal access to movement as a #HumanRight. 💡 Highlights included: 👉 Discussions on the importance of movement for everyone. 👉 Workshops exploring: Digital innovation and transformation in the physical activity sector. Building advocacy skills for greater impact. Intergenerational sporting activities. Value-based esports initiatives. 👉 A speed-dating session showcasing impactful projects like #IceheartsEurope #Digifit #GrassrootsEsports #PlacemakingSport #MOVINGforHEALTH #GlobalIRTS #GUMproject #ActiveAgeing. ISCA's Secretary General Jacob Feilberg Schouenborg concluded the day with an exciting invitation to the upcoming #MOVECongress 2025 in Copenhagen 🇩🇰 from October 29–31. Let’s keep moving towards a healthier, more inclusive Europe! 💪✨

🌍 Re-thinking Health in the EU for a Sustainable Future 🌿 Last week, EuropeActive attended the International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDF) event, hosted by MEP Andras Kulja MD, focused on creating a sustainable health future in the EU. Here’s what stood out: 💡 Key insights from the event: Diabetes on the rise: President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, highlighted that diabetes has doubled in the past 20 years. While we have the knowledge, technology, and resources to combat it, the key lies in fostering political will and determined action. Primary care as the foundation: Host MEP Andras Kulja MD emphasized that primary care is key to creating a sustainable healthcare model. He called for an EU action plan to empower patients, reduce costs, and ensure access to healthcare for all. Prevention and quality of life: MEP Christel Schaldemose stressed that if we can’t prevent diabetes and other NCDs, we must ensure a high quality of life for patients through effective care and support. The role of physical activity: Regular, conscious engagement in sport and exercise plays a significant role in managing glucose levels and supporting overall health. Patient-centred care: Dr. Luk Buyse underscored the importance of placing patients at the centre of care. Beyond data and numbers, understanding the emotional journey of patients is crucial. Community and awareness: Fragmentation in healthcare systems—common even in well-functioning countries—emphasises the need for building communities and raising awareness about social determinants of health. At EuropeActive, we advocate for the power of physical activity and fitness in preventing and managing NCDs like diabetes. The fitness sector can be a vital ally in empowering individuals, fostering social support, and encouraging a healthier Europe. 💪 🗨️ Join the conversation: What role do you think fitness and physical activity should play in shaping a sustainable, healthier future in the EU? 📸 Photo credit: European Parliament Multimedia Centre. (Source: https://lnkd.in/eJh9r4n6 )