European priorities in action
Modern international projects – regardless of the sector – can no longer exist without values. The values that the European Union has placed at the core of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes are not only justified but also practical and implementable. These are the four horizontal priorities that every project – including sports-related ones – can (and should) embrace:
- Inclusion and Diversity
- Green Transition and Climate Action
- Digital Transformation
- Civic Engagement
This article presents these four directions and shows how to apply them in practice.
1. Inclusion and Diversity: sport for all
Inclusion is not only about ensuring physical access to services, spaces, or resources. It also involves counteracting discrimination, embracing diversity and differences, and supporting people with fewer opportunities – regardless of their background, economic situation, disability, sexual orientation, or other barriers.
How to implement this in practice?
- Use appropriate communication and promotion: simple language, accessible formats (e.g., audio description, sign language interpretation)
- Cooperate with organisations focused on inclusion: foundations, special schools, support centres
- Provide support for project participants: transport, assistants, interpreters, adapted meals, psychological support
- Avoid selecting only the “best” candidates – prioritise diversity and motivation
Example: a project developing leadership skills of young sports activists from small towns, who have not previously had the opportunity to join international initiatives.
2. Green Transition: sport and the environment
Sport can – and should – be environmentally friendly. Every decision, from infrastructure to catering and travel, affects the planet.
How to implement eco-friendly solutions in practice?
- Choose sustainable transport options: promote travel by train, carpooling, bicycles
- Avoid single-use gadgets: instead use digital materials, plants, or local handmade items
- Offer vegetarian, locally sourced meals – this reduces carbon footprint and sets a good example
- Organise workshops on climate and sport – highlight the connection between physical activity and environmental health. We can support you in this area – we invite you to register for our ECOS N2K training. Registration: https://forms.gle/UXEzUoGyDEQthKQNA.
Example: a project in which participants plant trees near sports fields or develop an app for reporting local environmental issues.
3. Digital Transformation: skills for the future
Digital transformation is about rethinking how we learn, communicate, and work in teams. Sports and youth education offer excellent opportunities for developing digital skills.
How to develop digital solutions in practice?
- Use digital tools: training apps, e-learning platforms, online quizzes
- Create accessible content: subtitles for videos, alternative materials for people with disabilities
- Involve young people in content creation – provide them with tools and space to act
- Train project leaders in digital tools and online safety
Example: a local social media campaign on the role of women in sports, led by young people on TikTok and Instagram, supported by workshops on responsible media use.
4. Civic Engagement: listen, involve, co-create
Participation means more than just casting a vote. It’s about creating spaces where everyone can share their opinion, engage in dialogue, and have a tangible influence on outcomes. Sports projects are ideal environments for fostering civic attitudes.
How to implement civic engagement in practice?
- Involve participants in decision-making: what are we doing, how, where
- Organise meetings with local decision-makers – enable young people to see how they can make a difference
- Offer various forms of engagement: petitions, local initiatives, participatory projects
- Run debates, parliamentary simulations, and youth councils
Example: a project where participants choose the main theme of an event, vote on it, and co-organise its implementation.
It’s worth combining priorities
Remember: these four areas often intersect. A project can be:
- Digital and inclusive (e.g., an online course for rural youth)
- Green and democratic (e.g., youth consultations on greening sports facilities)
- Or address all four at once
Summary
European priorities are not obligations – they are opportunities to design projects that are meaningful, modern, and socially responsible.
Start with small steps. Talk to participants. Design intentionally. And unlock the power of priorities.
Would you like to learn more? We invite you to keep reading!
