In a cross‑party appeal, dozens of Members of the European Parliament urged the European Commission to introduce a European sports prize for outstanding athletes of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The letter, addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and signed by 30 MEPs, was reported by the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland”.
The petition argues that a European honour for these athletes would “emphasise the unifying power of sport, strengthen European thought, provide young people with inspiring role models on the continental level, and visibly underscore the Union’s values”. It proposes that such recognition take place in Brussels or Strasbourg, perhaps during a celebratory reception at the European Parliament or the Commission, thereby giving visible acknowledgment of exceptional achievements at the European level.
The letter suggests creating an independent European award-such as a “Golden Medal of European Sport”-to be presented at these events.
Erik Marquardt, leader of the German Greens in the European Parliament, told RND that sport “binds people across borders, and that very unifying force should make Europe more visible”. He stressed that athletes represent not only their nations but also shared European values-including fairness, respect, inclusion, and solidarity. A European honour would send a powerful signal: sporting excellence is also a collective success for Europe. In times when European cohesion is crucial, sport can serve as a potent symbol of a united continent.
