European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport - Glenn Micallef hosted a Youth Policy Dialogue on the future of the European Sport Model on May 26 in Brussels. European University Sports Association (EUSA) was also invited to nominate a youth delegate, and was represented by its Vice-President and Chair of the Student Commission Julia Zlatkova.

The Dialogue brought together 25 young people from across Europe as part of the consultation process for the upcoming Commission Communication, "A Strategic Vision for Sport in Europe: Reinforcing the European Sport Model", set to be adopted at the end of 2026. The event took place at the iconic Stadium of Union St Gilloise football club and served as a vital opportunity to ensure that young voices are at the heart of shaping Europe's sports future.

The initiative aims to gather the perspectives of young people on the priorities to be addressed in the forthcoming Strategy, as well as to better understand the challenges they face in sport - whether as hobby participants at grassroots level, as sport students or professionals, or as athletes and para-athletes. The Strategy itself will reaffirm a values-based model of sport, promoting a unique sport culture and healthy lifestyles so that all EU citizens, and particularly young people, can benefit from what sport has to offer.

At the Dialogue, Julia brought forward the importance of university sport for all students and especially for those who has practiced sports in their earlier ages. She shared ideas and good practices how to make the youth generation more active and highlighted the role of the safety in sport. The event also provided an opportunity to hear diverse perspectives from young people across different sporting backgrounds and contexts, enriching the conversation around how sport can better serve the next generation.

Youth Policy Dialogues are events where young people can interact directly with EU Commissioners to shape policy initiatives. As part of the consultation process for the upcoming Strategic Vision for Sport in Europe, these discussions are essential to ensure that young voices are actively shaping the future of European sport.

EUSA extends our thanks to the Youth Policy team and Commissioner Micallef for creating an open and genuine space for dialogue with young people across Europe.

Photos: © European Union, 2026