The European Commission has published the findings of a comprehensive Eurobarometer survey examining physical activity and sports participation across European Union member states. According to the study, which surveyed 26,508 respondents, overall engagement in regular workouts and active commuting has increased compared to 2022 levels. However, access to physical activity continues to reflect pronounced socioeconomic disparities, directly correlating with household income, age, and education levels.
In Germany, the survey results underscore ongoing questions regarding the accessibility of sports infrastructure for low-income households and the integration role of local grassroots sports clubs.
- Survey findings: The share of EU residents stating they never engage in exercise or sport decreased from 45% (in 2022) to 39%.
- Regional contrasts: Finland and Denmark recorded the highest levels of daily activity, whereas in Portugal, Greece, and Romania, two-thirds of citizens do not participate in sports at all.
- Primary barriers: Lack of time (37%), absence of motivation (26%), health limitations (15%), and the financial cost of gym memberships (12%).
Eurobarometer Data: Growth Trends and Regional Disparities
Nearly half of surveyed EU citizens reported exercising or participating in sport on a daily basis or several times per week. Significant growth was recorded in everyday active mobility: the proportion of individuals walking or cycling to work or school rose from 24% in 2022 to 37%. Furthermore, 72% of respondents indicated that they regularly take walks lasting at least 10 consecutive minutes.
Nevertheless, substantial regional divergences persist across the European Union:
- Northern Member States: Finland (21%) and Denmark (20%) reported the highest rates of daily exercise; an additional 59% in both nations engage in sport several times weekly.
- Southern and Eastern Europe: The lowest participation rates were documented in Portugal, where 68% never exercise, followed closely by Greece and Romania (66% each).
Most respondents emphasized that physical exercise directly improves mental well-being and strengthens social cohesion within local communities.
Socioeconomic Barriers: Income and Education Factors
The investigation identified a direct link between regular training frequency and household income as well as educational attainment.
Among respondents facing persistent difficulties paying household bills, the share of individuals who completely abstain from exercise stands at 54%, compared to 26% among financially secure respondents. A similar divide exists along educational lines: 59% of Europeans who continued education until age 20 or older exercise multiple times per week, compared to only 23% among those who concluded schooling at age 15 or earlier.
European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills Roxana Mînzatu emphasized that sports infrastructure must not function as a privilege:
“More Europeans are becoming physically active, but access to sport remains far too dependent on income, age, and education. Everyone deserves access to affordable sports facilities and safe places for recreation close to home. This means removing barriers for children from lower-income families who cannot afford club membership fees, as well as for older adults and individuals with disabilities,” the Commission representative stated.
Accessible Sports in Germany: Clubs and Statutory Support Programs
For residents in Germany, commercial fitness club costs are traditionally balanced by a robust framework of civic institutions and social support schemes:
- Non-Profit Sports Clubs (Sportverein): Germany hosts more than 85,000 community sports associations where membership dues remain modest (typically between 5 and 15 euros per month). For newcomers and refugees, sports clubs serve as vital platforms for German language acquisition and community integration.
- Statutory Prevention Courses (Präventionskurse): In accordance with Section 20 of Book V of the Social Code (SGB V), statutory health insurance providers (GKV) reimburse 80% to 100% of the cost for certified fitness courses, including yoga, swimming, functional training, and back health programs (up to two courses annually).
- Education and Participation Package (Bildung und Teilhabe — BuT): Households receiving basic income support (Bürgergeld), housing allowance (Wohngeld), or child supplements (Kinderzuschlag) are entitled to a monthly statutory benefit of up to 15 euros per child to cover club memberships, sports lessons, or cultural activities.
The release of this EU-wide survey highlights the fundamental role of physical and emotional health during settlement and adaptation in a new country. In Germany, the price of commercial gym subscriptions is rarely an insurmountable barrier: the nationwide network of local sports clubs (Vereine) and statutory health fund subsidies make regular exercise accessible at minimal expense. Information regarding the Education and Participation Package can be requested directly from your local Jobcenter or social services office (Sozialamt).