Erasmus+ also brings Europe together through sport
Erasmus+ is not just about exchanges for students, pupils and teachers: the EU programme also supports stays abroad and European cooperation in sport. In addition to cross-border cooperation between sports organisations, the focus is also on inclusion, grassroots sport, and learning and exchange opportunities for sports professionals. At the Day of Sport on Vienna’s Heldenplatz on 26 September 2026, the OeAD will provide information on the funding opportunities offered by Erasmus+ Sport for Austrian sports organisations.
“Sport must be open to everyone. Inclusion means breaking down barriers and enabling genuine participation. Para-sport, in particular, impressively demonstrates how diversity can be a natural part of sport. Our aim is to strengthen inclusive structures in the long term and enable more people to access physical activity and sport,” emphasises Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Sport Andreas Babler.
European exchange for a more inclusive sport
A study visit organised by the OeAD in Vienna demonstrates how European cooperation can help make sporting activities more inclusive. From 24 to 27 September 2026, 15 representatives from sports organisations and federations across ten European countries will exchange views on the topic of para-sport. On 26 September, they will attend the Day of Sport and be guests at the OeAD Pagoda.
“Erasmus+ Sport brings together organisations from across Europe and facilitates new collaborations. This exchange is particularly valuable when it comes to inclusion: effective approaches and experiences can be shared across borders and incorporated into one’s own work. In this way, European networking translates into tangible added value for sports organisations,” emphasises OeAD Managing Director Jakob Calice.
Erasmus+ Sport: over 5.5 million euros for projects coordinated from Austria and 300,000 euros for grassroots sport
The OeAD has been implementing Erasmus+ Sport in Austria as the national agency since 2022. In the sector of European cooperation projects, more than 20 projects were coordinated by Austrian organisations between 2023 and 2025. The total funding for these projects amounts to more than 5.5 million euros.
For the 2026 call for proposals under the second funding stream – which supports study visits abroad for staff in grassroots sport – around 300,000 euros were made available to Austrian sports organisations. A significant budget increase is planned for 2027. This will create additional opportunities for grassroots sports clubs and organisations to connect across Europe and benefit from the experiences of others.
