Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%. In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career. The European Union (EU) has developed since 2009 a direct sports policy under Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. EU institutions have adopted a number of policy initiatives in order to develop the “European dimension of sport” implementing the mandate of Article 165. Academic attention to EU sports policy has mostly focused on the agenda-setting stage, though. This project aims to analyse the implementation EU sports policy initiatives since December 2009, with a special focus on the sport chapter of Erasmus+ and the European Week of Sport. Using concepts drawn from policy-making, policy implementation and policy analysis theories, the project seeks to discuss the extent to which EU sports policy has met its objectives. It will also analyse which policy initiatives are perceived to be more efficient by those involved in implementation. The project is especially interested in identifying the main challenges and barriers to an effective implementation of EU sports policy. It is also interested in identifying the extent to which EU sports policy has fostered or hampered co-operation between public authorities and sport non-governmental organisations. Methodologically, the project will draw on qualitative research, tracing the implementation of policy initiatives through a review of policy documents, evaluation reports and relevant press and institutional documents. It will also include semi-structured interviews with those responsible in the implementation of selected policy initiatives.