Dublin was the focus of the European sport policy and grassroots physical activity on September 22 to 23, 2026, hosting the Irish Presidency Conference on Traditional Sports and Games alongside the official Opening of the European Week of Sport.

Representing the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and the EUSA Institute, Andrej Pisl, Director of Projects and Policy, attended both of the events.

Organised under the auspices of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Presidency Conference on Traditional Sports and Games took place on Tuesday, September 22, at the iconic Croke Park Stadium.

The conference opened with welcoming remarks by Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy. Throughout the day, thematic sessions and parallel panels explored the vital role of traditional sports and games (TSGs) across Europe, addressing key areas such as pathways to growth through diversity, social inclusion, and disability sport; traditional sports as tangible and intangible cultural heritage; responding to changing demographics and modern statistical insights; sustainability and the green transition within sporting bodies. The afternoon programme featured a ministerial keynote address delivered by Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport. Following the address, the European Commission presented the findings of the newly published 2026 Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity. Georg Hausler, Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport at the European Commission (DG EAC) and Sarah Lynch, Deputy Head of Unit of the European Commission (DG EAC), provided an overview of EU-wide participation trends, emphasising new insights on social inclusion, volunteering, and environmental impact in sport.

During the conference discussions, the EUSA Director of Projects and Policy made an intervention highlighting that sport must not be viewed merely as physical activity or a health remedy, but as an essential catalyst for core European values and active civic engagement. In his remarks, he spotlighted the Give Sport a Say project, an initiative co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, which empowers people and sporting communities to participate directly in decision-making and civic dialogue.

The conference concluded with closing reflections from Georg Hausler and Feargal O'Coigligh, Secretary General at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. Delegates also took part in an experiential sporting activation, touring the stadium facilities, viewing a live demonstration by the Irish Guild of Hurley Makers, and having a chance to experience traditional Gaelic games. The conference was relevant to EUSA and its Institute also thematically, as we are about to launch a new project TRACES - Traditional sports and games as Resources for Accessible Community and Physical Activity Experiences for Students, which was selected for funding under the 2026 Erasmus+ Sport Call for proposals, and will be co-funded by the European Union.

On Wednesday, September 23, the focus shifted to the National Indoor Arena at the Sport Ireland Campus for the joint official Opening of the European Week of Sport 2026. Embodying the #BeActive ethos, the morning featured an energetic sports activation and networking programme, inviting participants and community groups to take part in several sports stations, showcasing their skills in sports and physical activity challenges.

The formal launch ceremony of the European Week of Sport brought together leading policymakers and sport officials. Moderated by Paralympian Ellen Keane, the ministerial opening remarks were given by Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, and Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy. A special video address was given by Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, followed by an intervention on behalf of the European Commission by Georg Hausler, Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport. On behalf of Sport Ireland, participants were also welcomed by John Foley, Chairperson and Una May, CEO. 

Participation in both events was also an opportunity to network, meeting EUSA member Student Sport Ireland (SSI), existing partners and exploring new cooperation opportunities. The events were also an opportunity to reaffirm EUSA's continuous collaboration with European institutions, national authorities, and partner organisations to champion the social value of (university) sport, strengthen civic dialogue and encourage active, healthy lifestyles across higher education communities in Europe. European University Sports Asssociation (EUSA) is an official partner of the European Week of Sport, initiative of the European Commission.

For more information about the European Week of Sport, please see https://sport.ec.europa.eu/european-week-of-sport