Sustainability in focus in 2025
Following the publication of the Sustainability Roadmap for 2023-2030, the issue of sustainability was in focus throughout 2025 for the EHF.
In April 2025 the EHF published the findings of a survey of member federations carried out in February and March 2025. The survey provided detailed insights into the state of sustainability in handball in Europe. Of the 52 EHF member federations, 29 responded to the survey, which was conducted online.
Environmental, social, and governance pillars were all examined by the survey, and its results highlighted that sustainability is a significant topic for European handball federations, with a particular emphasis on social and governance aspects.
There were numerous positive findings from the survey. 59 per cent of the federations that participated either already have or are working on a sustainability strategy. 69 per cent of respondents have already implemented specific social sustainability activities and support environment actions. 37 per cent of the responding federations have personnel whose task it is to address sustainability initiatives.
The survey also revealed challenges experienced by national federations, with 48 per cent of the participating federations reporting obstacles related to financial resources and funding. However, there is evidence of increasing government funding and budget within handball federations for sustainability initiatives. While reporting to government institutions is important, most federations do not consider tracking their progress outside of those obligations as vital.
There was agreement among the participating federations for the sharing of best practice examples, practical toolkits and guidelines, and the integration of sustainability education.
Meanwhile the EHF is making progress on the Sustainability Roadmap. On environmental sustainability issues, the new EHF House in Vienna achieved the gold standard ‘klimaaktiv’ certificate issued by the Austrian government. At the Men’s EHF EURO 2024 in Germany sustainability was a key focus, with a cooperation with Deutsche Bahn to limit emissions caused through plane travel.
Automotive safety company DEKRA became an official referee partner of the Men’s and Women’s EHF EURO 2026, highlighting the EHF's commitment to safety and sustainability, and the EHF EURO Bid Book for 2030–2032 puts a focus on environmental sustainability.
The EHF has implemented a number of governance initiatives, including putting in place transparent democratic and communication processes; a gender equality strategy and initiatives; a transparent three-level legal system; creating the EHF Anti-Doping Unit, a fraud detection system and a whistleblowing platform.
New social responsibility initiatives include the new EHF Youth Club Trophy, to encourage the development of club handball, and further support of the development of wheelchair handball. The Respect Your Talent programme continues to thrive and grassroots activities across the continent are supported through federations’ Master Plan projects.