The European Commission, through the SHARE 2.0 initiative, introduced SHARE 2.0 Green Sport Manifesto, a key document focusing on environmental sustainability in the European sports sector. This manifesto, drawn up by the Directorate-General for Youth, Sport and Culture, calls on all sports organisations in Europe to commit to five specific commitments to strengthen the sustainability movement.

Why is a manifesto necessary?

Sport, despite its cultural and economic importance in Europe, has a significant environmental impact. Major events require energy-intensive facilities and infrastructure, produce waste and pollute air, water and soil. The primary impact on climate change comes mainly from the travel of fans and athletes. In addition, climate change directly threatens sport, affecting infrastructure, event planning and changing conditions for winter and water sports. Current solutions, such as artificial snowmaking, may even worsen the environmental impact.

The Green Sport Expert Group's analysis revealed the fragmentation of the sector, the lack of governance structures, expertise and public data on sustainability. There is also a lack of central European support for green sport and funding often does not prioritise sustainability. The Manifesto responds to these challenges and builds on the work of the Green Sport Expert Group and "Sport's contribution to the European Green Deal. A sport sector playbook".

Key objectives of the Manifesto

The manifesto aims to engage the European sports sector at all levels into concrete, verifiable steps towards environmental sustainability. It strives consolidate the green sports movement by bringing together organizations that publicly declare their commitment. It also provides basic information and links sports organizations to resources on their journey to sustainability. The manifesto has support existing initiatives at national and international level and be compatible with the principles of the IOC, the UN SDGs and the European Green Deal. It also aims to facilitate the exchange of resources and best practices within the sector.

Who is it for and what are the obligations?

The manifesto is intended for all organisations in the European sports sector – from grassroots activities to clubs, leagues, equipment manufacturers, event organizers and public policy makers. It divides the sector into two main groups with different commitments:

1. Organizations and businesses in the sports sector undertake:
   • Establish a sustainability management structure.
   • Develop a sustainability strategy covering the topics of the European Green Deal.
   • Measure and annually report progress on sustainability.
   • To promote collaboration and knowledge sharing in green sports.
   • Develop, use and share green sports tools.
2. Government and public policymakers and funders undertake:
   • Establish an advisory group for sustainable sport.
   • Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.
   • Develop, use and share tools for green sports.
   • Consider environmental sustainability as an important funding criterion.
   • Prioritize support for sustainability for smaller sports and grassroots activities.

Implementation and support

Organisations wishing to support the Manifesto can register online, publicly present their commitment (including using #EUGreenSport) and share their progress. The European Union supports the green transition of sport through programmes such as Erasmus+ Sport, LIFE Programme, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and New European Bauhaus (NEB), which funds projects aimed at improving environmental performance and innovation in sport.

The sports sector has a key dual role: reduce our own environmental impact and inspire broader behavioural change towards sustainability. The SHARE 2.0 Green Sport Manifesto is a significant step towards unifying these efforts and building a more sustainable future for European sport. JRi