The European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport told delegates at last week’s European Health & Fitness Forum (EHFF) that he feels an “obligation” to improve physical activity policy to reflect the key role exercise plays in society.

Addressing thought leaders from the physical activity sector at the EHFF event in Cologne, Germany, Tibor Navracsics said physical inactivity costs the EU €80bn (US$91bn, £64bn) each year and called for further collaboration between the European Union and fitness sector body EuropeActive to tackle this.

“Exercise is fun. It helps people feel better about themselves and to lead healthier, more active lives,” said Navracsics.

“We need to create new opportunities for people to move more and in ways that are adapted to their needs. Innovation in the health and fitness sector is an important lead in helping us to make this possible.”

The Commissioner said the fitness sector is vital in getting more people active and acknowledged the work of EuropeActive through its goal of growing the fitness sector to reach 80 million members by 2025.

Before his speech, the Commissioner was presented with the latest publication by EuropeActive, called Growing the Fitness Sector through Innovation.

Sir Graham Watson, president of EuropeActive, said: "We are honoured that Commissioner Navracsics has come to the EHFF and we will have a full commitment to intensify our cooperation with the Commission in key areas of promoting the importance of regular physical activity, and in raising the skills of fitness professionals to meet our vision of more people, more active, more often.”