Croatian Olympic Committee Participates as Project Coordinator in Erasmus+ STRONG Project Kick-off in Brussels

The STRONG project is coordinated by the EOC EU Office and brings together 15 National Olympic Committees, with the Croatian Olympic Committee participating as one of the project coordinators, alongside Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz as the academic partner. The project aims to strengthen good governance in sport by supporting, protecting and promoting athletes’ rights and responsibilities, as defined in the IOC Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration.

The kick-off meeting, hosted at the EOC EU Office in Brussels, represented the first in-person gathering of all project partners and provided an opportunity to align on the project’s objectives, structure and expected outcomes. Particular focus was placed on key thematic areas such as non-discrimination, freedom of expression, athletes’ opportunities and agreements, and athlete representation and participation in decision-making processes.

During the meeting, academic experts from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz launched the project’s research phase through initial intake interviews, which will serve as the basis for the forthcoming Status Quo Report. Representatives of the IOC Athletes’ Department presented the Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration, ensuring a shared understanding of the project’s core principles, while Johanna Talihärm, Chair of the EOC Athletes’ Commission, contributed the athlete perspective and highlighted expectations regarding the project’s impact.

Over the course of its implementation, the STRONG project will deliver several key outputs, including a status quo and stakeholder perceptions report, a European Framework for Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities, a National Mentoring Programme, educational tools and training materials for National Olympic Committees and athletes, as well as organisational strategies aimed at supporting sustainable, athlete-centred governance.

The launch of the STRONG project in Brussels established a strong foundation for close cooperation among partners and set a clear roadmap for the months ahead. As one of the project coordinators, the Croatian Olympic Committee will actively contribute to the development of practical solutions that foster a more inclusive, transparent and athlete-centred sporting environment across Europe.