Eurobarometer: Europeans are doing more physical activity

Ahead of the 2026 European Week of Sport, the European Commission published the sixth Eurobarometer on sport and physical activity. Compared with 2022, those exercising several times a week rose to 38% (up 6 points), almost daily to 9% (up 3 points), and those who never exercise fell from 45% to 39%. Main motivations are improving or maintaining physical health (44%) and relaxing (39%), with 26% citing mental health. Parks and outdoor spaces remain most popular (47%), fitness facilities rose from 33% to 39%, and active commuting rose from 24% to 37%, the largest increase.