The event brings together more than 460 student-athletes and team officials from 75 universities across 23 European countries.

The Opening Ceremony, held at the Jarun Sports and Recreation Centre, marked the beginning of four days of competition. From August 26 to 29, crews will take to the water at one of Zagreb’s most recognisable sporting venues, competing for the European university title. Zagreb and the University of Zagreb are hosting the championship for the third time, continuing the city’s long-standing tradition of university sport and rowing.

The ceremony brought together the participating delegations and distinguished guests. The audience was addressed by: Andreas Csonka, Chair of the EUSA Rowing Technical Committee and Member of the EUSA Executive Committee; Jasenka Ostojic, Vice-Rector for Arts, Culture and Inter-University Cooperation, representing the Rector of the University of Zagreb; Luka Korlaet, Deputy Mayor of the City of Zagreb; Davor Pavlovic, President of the Zagreb Academic Sports Association; Kresimir Samija, Director of the Directorate for Sport at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia, representing the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and the Minister of Tourism and Sport; Mico Ljubenko, President of the Zagreb Rowing Federation; and Tomislav Paškvalin, Envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia.

On behalf of EUSA, Andreas Csonka, Chair of the EUSA Rowing Technical Committee and Member of the EUSA Executive Committee, reminded the student-athletes that university sport represents more than competition, combining the challenges of academic life with sporting achievement, expressing:  “I wish you a great and fair competition. I encourage you to respect your competitors on the field of play and let fair play define this championship.”

The ceremony also offered a lighter and more unexpected moment. A surprise flash mob quickly brought the energy up and got the crowd on its feet.

Student-athletes and members of the delegations enthusiastically joined in, dancing together and performing the familiar rowing-inspired moves made famous by the Norwegian rowing team at the World Championships. The spontaneous performance brought participants together and created an energetic start to the championship.

With the championship officially open, attention now turns to the competition. Over the coming days, crews from universities across Europe will battle for the European university titles, with Lake Jarun providing the stage for four days of racing.

Beyond the results on the water, the championship will also provide an opportunity for participants to connect through sport, friendship and fair play, creating experiences and memories that extend well beyond the final race.

The 16th EUSA European Universities Rowing Championship will continue until August 29, when the new European university rowing champions will be crowned in Zagreb.

Before the Opening Ceremony was held, the General Technical Meeting was held, providing information about competition rules and the official draw that set the race schedule.

For more information, please see rowing2026.eusa.eu