Bratislava and Šamorín Welcome European Sport Leaders to Advance EU Sport Policy
Bratislava – Šamorín, Slovakia | 1 June 2025 Experts and representatives of European sport institutions gathered in May/June 2025 in Slovakia for a working meeting of the SHAPING EU SPORT project, reinforcing collaboration on EU sport policy and advancing the documentation of the role of EU Council Presidencies. The discussions focused on the development of key project outputs, including an interactive website and a comprehensive booklet documenting EU sport policies from 2009 to 2025, with particular emphasis on the presidencies of Estonia, Slovakia, and Cyprus.
High-Level Meetings in Slovakia
During the programme, delegates met with Ms. Žaneta Čašdérová, Director of the Slovak Anti-Doping Agency (SADA), discussing the latest developments in anti-doping policies and the promotion of integrity in sport across Europe.
Delegates also had the opportunity to meet with the State Secretary at the Ministry of Sport, engaging in a high-level dialogue on national strategies to implement EU sport policies, foster inter-institutional cooperation, and support inclusive and intergenerational participation in sport.
Another highlight was the meeting with Ivan Šulek, President of the Slovak Swimming Federation, who shared insights into national swimming programs and initiatives to engage youth and promote aquatic sports. These exchanges underscored the project's commitment to connecting EU sport policy with practical implementation at national and grassroots levels.
Sport, Culture, and Innovation
The meeting programme included visits to X-Bionic® Sphere in Šamorín, a world-class sports and innovation centre. Delegates explored state-of-the-art facilities combining high-performance training, wellness, and education, reflecting the integration of sport, technology, and health promotion.
The agenda also incorporated health-enhancing physical activities along the Danube and cultural evenings fostering informal dialogue. Guests attended The Evening of Violists and Friends, featuring celebrated Slovak pianist Jordanka Palovičová, creating a vibrant setting for cross-cultural exchange and networking.
Communication, Dissemination, and EU Funding Visibility
At the event in Slovakia, the project objectives, results, and conclusions were presented alongside references to European values and EU sport policies. The visibility of EU funding highlighted the funding of the European Union and was ensured in full compliance with Erasmus+ requirements. The Erasmus+ logo and funding acknowledgement were displayed on all communication and dissemination channels of the event.
In addition, promotional kits and materials were produced and used consistently throughout all communication and dissemination activities. These included flyers, T-shirts, roll-ups, bandanas, leaflets, and handbooks, all displaying the Erasmus+ logo and funding acknowledgement. The materials were distributed at all relevant sport events, meetings, schools, and public gatherings.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Project Impact and Next Steps
The meeting concluded with a debriefing session summarizing progress and allocating responsibilities for the final phase of the project. Delegates discussed strategies to increase accessibility and engagement with EU sport policy documents and emphasized the project's role in promoting sport diplomacy, inter-institutional cooperation, and the values of inclusion and integrity in European sport.
The Slovakia meeting highlighted the SHAPING EU SPORT project's unique combination of policy dialogue, sport participation, education, and cultural exchange, reinforcing its mission to strengthen EU sport governance and promote European values through sport.