Europeans are doing more physical activity, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey

In the run-up to European Week of Sport 2026, the European Commission published the sixth Eurobarometer survey on sport and physical activity. The survey shows an increase in levels of physical activity across the European Union compared with the last survey published in 2022. For example, the proportion of citizens who exercise several times a week has risen to 38 per cent (up 6 percentage points), whilst the proportion who do so almost daily has risen to 9 per cent (up 3 percentage points). At the same time, the proportion of Europeans who never exercise or take part in sport fell from 45 per cent in 2022 to 39 per cent this year.

Health and wellbeing benefits as the main drivers of participation.

The main motivations cited are improving or maintaining physical health (44 per cent) and relaxing (39 per cent), whilst 26 per cent take part in sport or physical activity specifically to improve their mental health. If relaxation is considered to support mental health, 65 per cent believe that the latter is the most important motivation.

Parks and outdoor spaces remain the most popular place to exercise (47 per cent, a figure that has remained stable since 2022), followed by health and fitness centres (which rose from 33% to 39%) and active commuting (which rose from 24% to 37%, the largest increase across all categories).

With regard to participation in and engagement with sport, there are notable differences between different socio-demographic groups. Younger participants, those with higher levels of education and people with fewer financial difficulties consistently report higher levels of participation in sport. Older participants and pensioners tend to participate less frequently. Gender differences are generally moderate, with men being slightly more likely to take part in sport and physical activity on a regular basis.

European Week of Sport 2026 encourages everyone to #GetActive, one step at a time.

Every year, the Commission promotes the benefits of sport and physical activity during European Week of Sport. This week, which takes place from 23 to 30 September, is the main highlight of the annual #BeActive campaign, which encourages Europeans to get moving more. The slogan for the 2026 campaign, ‘#BeActive Your Way’, emphasises that even small steps towards a healthier and more active life are important.

Thousands of events will be organised across Europe for this year’s European Week of Sport, inviting people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to take part in activities in schools, parks, workplaces, gyms and other venues to experience the joy of movement. The official launch will take place in Dublin, Ireland, on 23 September.

Background

Eurobarometer is the survey tool used by the European Commission, the European Parliament and other EU institutions and agencies to regularly monitor public opinion in Europe on issues relating to the European Union, as well as attitudes towards political and social matters. It provides relevant, high-quality data for public opinion experts, researchers, the media and the general public.

This survey is the sixth edition of the Special Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity, the previous edition of which was conducted in 2022. It explores specific topics in depth — in this case, sport and physical activity — through face-to-face or online interviews with a representative sample of the population across all EU Member States.

European Week of Sport is an initiative by the European Commission to promote sport and physical activity across Europe, including the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership countries. It is held annually from 23 to 30 September. It was launched by the European Commission in 2015 in response to the growing crisis of physical inactivity. In addition, work is underway on a Communication on the European Sports Model, which is due to be presented later this year. This Communication will set out the Commission’s vision for the future of sport in the EU, including measures to further promote active lifestyles amongst citizens.

 

More information: European Commission