The members of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) gathered in person for the 2025 electoral General Assembly, which took place on the 10th and 11th of October in Zagreb, Croatia.

The event brought together EUSA members, distinguished guests, partners, as well as representatives from FISU and the FISU Continental Federations.

The EUSA General Assembly 2025 once again demonstrated the power of collaboration and shared commitment to the values of sport, education, and unity. Through open dialogue, decision-making, and celebration of democracy, participants reaffirmed their dedication to the continued development of university sports across Europe.

Delegates from 36 EUSA member countries participated in the Assembly, hosted by the Croatian University Sports Federation in Zagreb. The event provided an opportunity for member representatives to engage directly in the election of the new Executive Committee and to discuss the organisation’s strategic priorities for the 2025-2029 term.

The day began with the #BeActive Run, promoting health and an active lifestyle among attendees. After registration and accreditation, the General Assembly convened for its first two sessions, during which members discussed key organisational matters and reviewed reports from EUSA activities.

The event commenced with welcome addresses delivered by EUSA President Adam Roczek and Haris Pavletic, President of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation, who spoke on behalf of the hosts.

Additional greetings were presented by FISU President Leonz Eder and Peninnah Kabenge Aligawesa, Secretary General of the Federation of Africa University Sports, highlighting the global collaboration and spirit of university sport.

FISU President Leonz Eder and Matthias Remund, FISU Secretary General, presented tokens of appreciation and long-term partnership to both the European University Sports Association and the Croatian Academic Sports Federation. 

Additionally, video messages were shared by Alim Maluf Neto, President of FISU America; Liu Lixin, President of the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF); and David Schmude, President of FISU Oceania.

Welcome messages on behalf of Partner organisations were given by Stefan Bergh, President of the European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation Youth (ENGSO), and the President of the European Powerlifting Federation (EPF), Bjorn Astad. 

Following his successful leadership of the previous Assemblies, Bruno Barracosa from Portugal has been re-elected to serve as Chair of the Assembly.

The meeting opened with the approval of the agenda, which comprised seven main items. The session proceeded with the presentation of various reports, including activity updates, as well as motions concerning EUSA honorary distinctions. The nomination of scrutineers took place, followed by the formal approval of the minutes from the previous General Assembly.

During the General Assembly, a certificate was presented to the University of Lisbon in recognition of becoming an Associated Member, to the Vice Rector of the university, Luis Castro. 

The 2023-2024 report was presented by Matjaz Pecovnik EUSA Secretary General, who outlined the main achievements and activities of the past period. He emphasised key sporting events, including the European Universities Games 2024 in Debrecen-Miskolc, the awarding of hosting for the 2028 and 2030 editions of the European Universities Games, the European Universities Championships held in 2023 and 2024, as well as the European Universities Winter Championships and EUSA Conventions.

The report reflected on the 25th EUSA Anniversary celebrated in November 2024 in Vienna. It also highlighted EUSA’s educational initiatives, such as the EUSA Conference, EUSA Winter Forum, EUSA-FISU seminars, and webinars dedicated to key topics as gender equality. In addition, it covered the preparation of strategic documents, major organisational meetings, including Executive Committee sessions, General Assemblies, and the Awards Galas, and the contributions of various commissions and working groups.

Further points included EUSA’s active participation in EU and FISU-supported projects, the development of volunteering programs, and progress in international cooperation. The report concluded with updates on media and communication efforts and the introduction of EUSA’s refreshed visual identity.

Francis Cirianni, EUSA Treasurer, presented the EUSA Annual Accounts, highlighting key achievements, financial performance, expenditures, assets, and the attribution fees for forthcoming editions of the Games. The presentation offered a comprehensive overview of EUSA’s financials.

Auditors Hovhaness Gabrielyian and Liviu Matac subsequently delivered their reports, affirming the accuracy and transparency of the financial statements and providing their professional evaluation of EUSA’s financial management.

The Assembly then proceeded with voting on various amendments and motions, including proposals related to honorary distinctions, the transition period, and other matters concerning board membership and membership fees. Each item was thoroughly reviewed and approved in accordance with EUSA’s governance procedures.

The 2025-2026 Activity Report was presented by Matjaz Pecovnik, highlighting upcoming sporting events, including the European Universities Games 2026, the European Universities Championships 2025, the Winter Championships, and the introduction of Padel as a new sport. The report also outlined the European Universities Championships planned for 2026-2029, featuring the addition of new sports such as Powerlifting and Athletics.

The next edition of the European Universities Games 2026 in Salerno, Italy, was presented by Lorenzo Lentini, highlighting its significance as a major celebration of European university sports.

The European Universities Athletics Championships 2027 was showcased by Luis Castro, Vice-Rector of the University of Lisbon, alongside the FADU delegation, who emphasised their full commitment to organising the event. They highlighted the championship as a key moment for gathering, sharing, and celebrating university sports, offering a unique and valuable experience for the entire community.

The report further covered ongoing projects, EUSA meetings, and plans for Executive Committee sessions and working group activities in 2026. It also highlighted EUSA’s involvement in EU- and FISU-supported projects, the activities of the EUSA Development Fund, volunteering initiatives, and efforts in international cooperation. An update on associated members noted a total of 119 members from 24 countries.

During the session, Francis Cirianni, EUSA Treasurer, delivered a second presentation providing insights into the provisional budget and the draft budget realisation for the upcoming period, outlining key financial priorities and strategic allocations to support EUSA’s ongoing initiatives and future projects.

Following the Assembly’s approval of the proposal for outgoing Executive Committee members, the title of Honorary President was conferred upon Adam Roczek, in recognition of his visionary leadership and dedication to European university sports during his tenure as EUSA President from 2012 to 2025.

During the General Assembly, the Executive Committee was formally discharged, accompanied by heartfelt thanks for their dedication, hard work, and support throughout their mandate.

Candidates for the upcoming elections presented their candidacies for positions on the EUSA Executive Committee. Each candidate had the opportunity to share their vision, goals, and plans for advancing the European University Sports Association’s mission. The presentations allowed members to gain insight into the priorities and initiatives each candidate aims to pursue, fostering an informed decision-making process ahead of the elections.

Following the presentations, the day concluded with the 2024 Annual Awards ceremony and a Gala Dinner, celebrating achievements and fostering networking among participants. 

On October 11, the third session of the General Assembly was dedicated to the election of the new Executive Committee, marking an important milestone for the organisation’s next term.

The elections, supervised by Marzel Wyden, EUSA Legal Advisor, and Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General, brought a new EUSA Executive Committee for the next 4-year term.

The elections proceeded smoothly, with all voting carried out in the first round. The positions of President and Treasurer were unanimously elected by acclamation, having one candidate for each position.

EUSA once again thanks the Executive Committee members, as well as commission members from the previous mandate, for their selflessness, hard work, and efforts, and wishes to the new Executive Committee members the very best in their upcoming mandate, as together we continue to grow the organisation and develop university sport across Europe.

EUSA also conveys a special word of appreciation for the local organising committee in Zagreb, the Croatian Academic Sports Federation (CASF), supported also by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), for the great lengths they went to in hosting a highly successful and memorable event.