ISG at the EU Sport Forum 2025 in Krakow
On 10–11 April 2025, the EU Sport Forum 2025 took place in Krakow, Poland, hosted at the Holiday Inn Kraków City Centre. Organised annually by the European Commission, the Forum is the flagship event in European sport policy, bringing together stakeholders from across the continent to debate and shape the future of sport in the EU.
The Institute for Sport Governance (ISG) was proud to take part in the Forum as an engaged observer, represented by its President, Grzegorz Botwina, PhD.
Key Topics: European Sport Model, Education, AI, and Athlete Welfare
EU Sport Forum 2025 gathered high-level representatives from EU institutions, international and national sport federations, Olympic committees, grassroots organisations, athletes, and volunteers. The event provided a platform for dialogue on some of the most pressing issues facing the sport sector today, including:
- Promoting the European Sport Model,
- The role of sport in education and EU enlargement,
- Athlete welfare and mental health,
- The impact and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence in sport,
- Reflections on the implementation of Erasmus+ Sport projects and future directions.
One of the most engaging sessions focused on Artificial Intelligence in sport, which – despite being held in a non-plenary room – drew more attention than concurrent main hall panels. As Dr Botwina remarked:
“The fact that ‘everyone knows a bit about AI’ is no longer enough. The key is education – we need to deeply understand what AI is and how it can be used responsibly and effectively in sport.”
Poland’s EU Presidency – a Strategic Context for Sport
The timing of the forum held particular significance due to Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Among the declared priorities are:
✅ Promoting physical activity across age groups,
✅ Strengthening local and grassroots sport structures,
✅ Enhancing governance and integrity in sport,
✅ Supporting innovation and digital transformation in the sector.
The forum created valuable opportunities to exchange good practices, build cross-border partnerships, and explore project ideas aligned with the EU’s and Poland’s strategic priorities in sport.
What’s Next?
ISG’s participation in the EU Sport Forum 2025 confirms our commitment to contributing to responsible, modern, and effective sport policy at the European level. In the coming months, we will share updates on international collaborations and new initiatives that emerged during the Forum – especially in the areas of AI, education, and sport governance.
📎 Learn more:
➡️ EU Sport Forum 2025 – Official Website
➡️ Poland’s Presidency Priorities in Sport and Tourism
