Representatives of grassroots sport organisations from across Europe gathered in Budapest for the 34th General Assembly of ENGSO, held between 22 and 24 May 2026.

The event was hosted by the Hungarian Competitive Sport Federation and brought together ENGSO members, partners, and stakeholders to discuss the future development of grassroots sport in Europe. 

The opening session featured remarks from ENGSO President Stefan Bergh and NVESZ Secretary General Edina Andrejko, who underlined the importance of collaboration, innovation, and stronger advocacy for the European sport sector. Discussions throughout the assembly focused on strengthening organised grassroots sport and increasing its long-term social impact.

Moderated by Theo Neyenhuis, ENGSO Secretary General, the key session focused on the future of European sports policy, joined online and led by Giorgio Guazzugli Marini, Head of Sport Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC). The discussion explored the latest developments shaping European sport, particularly the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework, Erasmus+, and the European Commission’s Work Programme. Participants gained valuable insights into how future EU priorities may impact sport organisations across Europe.

An important discussion focused on strengthening the sport sector’s influence in Brussels. During the session Championing Sport in Brussels: EU Advocacy Strategy, Nerijus Tabokas highlighted practical ways sport organisations can engage with EU institutions and contribute to future sport policies.

Youth participation and inclusion were also key topics. Tiago Guilherme presented initial findings from the EUYOUSPORT project and led discussions on empowering young people and creating more inclusive sporting environments.

The second day of the General Assembly opened with welcoming remarks from Gyarfas Olah, who highlighted the importance of cooperation and knowledge sharing within the European sport community.

A major focus of the day was the session Building Gender Equality in Sport: Sharing Programmes, Challenges and Solutions, moderated by Tarja Krum and Sarah Townsend. Contributions from Anna-Maria Wiesner, Hristina Hristova and Claus Farnberger addressed ongoing challenges, research, and good practices related to gender equality in sport. The session also introduced the new EWS Mentoring Programme, aimed at supporting professionals working in inclusion and equality in sport.

The day concluded with the interactive session Sport, Athletes and Media – Shaping the Future Together, featuring Dr. Zsuzsa Csisztu and Zsofia Csonka, Vice President of the Athletes’ Commission of the Hungarian Olympic Committee.

The event concluded with the ENGSO General Assembly and Youth Assembly, opened by ENGSO President Stefan Bergh. Updates on ENGSO’s 2025 activities in policy, projects, events, and organisational development were presented by Filipa Godinho, Theo Neyenhuis, and Marie Denitton.

Representatives of the ENGSO Youth, EWS, and EU Advisory Committees - Alessia De Iulis, Tarja Krum, and Andre Urban, also presented their ongoing work and priorities.

At the General Assembly, the European University Sports Association was represented by Hristina Hristova, Projects and Communications Officer, who participated in discussions and sessions focused on gender equality, inclusion, and the future development of grassroots sport across Europe.

During the Assembly, the Turkish Sports for All Federation was approved as a new associate member of ENGSO, while Thomas Bach was elected to the ENGSO Executive Committee.

Project updates were shared by Lovisa Broms and Tiago Guilherme, followed by a workshop on grassroots sport development led by Anna-Maria Wiesner.

ENGSO Youth also held its Youth Assembly, where activities and projects from 2025 were reviewed. During the session, Christina Buhler was elected as a new ENGSO Youth Committee member.

The programme closed with an invitation from Romana Caput Jogunica to attend the European Sport Platform 2026, taking place in Split from 15-17 October 2026.

For more information, please see engso.eu