Road to Salerno 2026: EUSA Meeting in Ljubljana

As the countdown to the European Universities Games 2026 (EUG 2026) begins, the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia, became the focal point of European university sport planning. On April 14, 2025, the European University Sports Association (EUSA) welcomed representatives of the Salerno 2026 Organising Committee for a working meeting aimed at aligning visions, sharing progress, and preparing for the next key milestones on the road to one of the continent’s most anticipated multi-sport events.

A meeting with purpose and vision

This meeting was not just a routine check-in. It represented a crucial moment in the co-creation of an international sporting event that will not only bring together thousands of student-athletes but also shine a spotlight on the city of Salerno and its university ecosystem.

The gathering followed the February supervision visit to Salerno and served to deepen collaboration between EUSA and local stakeholders, reinforcing the shared commitment to delivering a top-tier experience for participants, volunteers, and spectators alike.

Both delegations reflected the interdisciplinary nature of organising such a large-scale event. From Italy, the Salerno-based team included sport managers, institutional representatives, technical and logistics coordinators, and communication experts. Notable participants included:

• Francis Cirianni, EUSA Treasurer and FederCUSI representative, whose dual role bridges local and continental governance.

• Michele Di Ruocco, Secretary General of CUS Salerno, acting as the organisational linchpin.

• Domenico Apicella and Ferdinando Mainenti, leading the academic and sports coordination from the University of Salerno.

• Representatives from ADISURC, the regional body responsible for student housing and catering, whose involvement highlights the importance of well-being and hospitality.

On the EUSA side, leadership figures such as Matjaz Pecovnik, Liam Smith, and Sara Rozman brought extensive experience in sports event planning, education, and operations. Their contributions ensured the meeting was not only technical but also strategic and future-oriented.

Discussing the foundations of a great event

Over the course of the day, a series of thematic sessions addressed every major area of planning:

Accommodation

The team discussed housing solutions for thousands of expected guests, with a clear focus on accessibility, sustainability, and student-friendly facilities. Edmondo Iannicelli presented a multi-campus strategy involving both university residences and external accommodations, designed to integrate seamlessly with transport and event logistics.

Catering and services

Vincenzo Rachiglio outlined how catering services will cater to a variety of dietary needs, with menus respecting both international guidelines and local traditions — a way to promote Campania’s food culture as part of the event experience.

Sports venues and scheduling

The conversation turned to the competition calendar and the readiness of sports facilities. Updates revealed a solid timeline, with renovation works already underway and test events planned for early 2026. The discussion also addressed how sports venues will remain a legacy for local communities and student-athletes beyond the event.

Media and International promotion

The Games are not just a sporting competition, but a communication platform. Giovanni Salvatore, media lead for the Organising Committee, presented the marketing and outreach strategy. Plans include a digital-first approach, partnerships with student media, and collaborations with European networks to ensure broad visibility.

Looking ahead: the EUSA-EUG 2026 Convention in Salerno

Among the most anticipated outcomes of the meeting was the planning of the EUSA-EUG 2026 Convention, which will take place in Salerno from May 29 to June 1, 2025. The convention will bring together universities, sponsors, volunteers, and athletes to preview the Games, offer workshops, and foster new partnerships. It will be a pivotal moment for community engagement and international promotion.

The Ljubljana meeting concluded with a strong sense of unity and purpose. Each participant left with clearer objectives, renewed motivation, and the certainty that Salerno 2026 is on the right path. What emerged was not only a shared operational agenda but a shared vision: to create a Games that are inclusive, innovative, and truly representative of the values of European university sport.

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