Cohesion and Convergence Policies in Europe: The Role Of Sport in Social Inclusion and Pedagogical Interventions
Abstract
Sport is assuming an increasingly prominent role within the architecture of European cohesion policies, evolving into an active instrument for reducing territorial inequalities and fostering social inclusion. With the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009, the European Union acquired a supporting competence in the field of sport, formally recognizing its social, educational, and cultural value. This narrative review analyzes the regulatory and financial framework within which this competence has developed, examining the role of the European Regional Development Fund , the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the Erasmus+ programme, and Joint Actions in integrating sport into cohesion strategies. Particular attention is devoted to pedagogical interventions, ranging from education-through-sport methodologies in school and community settings to sport-for-development practices targeting vulnerable populations. The analysis highlights that the most effective experiences share a multi-level approach that integrates infrastructural, educational, and local governance dimensions, albeit within a context still marked by implementation fragmentation and regional disparities.
Keywords
Sport and European Cohesion; social inclusion; Education and Sport; Pedagogical interventions
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