Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, hosted the annual EU Sports Forum between September 30 and October 1, 2013. The event was organised within the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and attracted the participation of over 300 participants from the European sport governing bodies, including leading representatives from international and European sport federations, European and national sport umbrella organisations, national ministries and other sport-related institutions. EUSA was also present at the Forum, represented by Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, Secretary General and Mr Ceslovas Garbaliauskas, Executive Committee Member.

During the first day, special focus was given to the results of the preparatory actions in the field of sport from 2011, funded by the European Commission. Within the projects on prevention and fighting against violence and intolerance in sport was also the project Prevention of sexualized violence in sports, where EUSA was one of the partners. Other cluster of projects funded in 2011 was focused on promoting innovative approaches to strengthening the organisation of sport in Europe.

Representatives of the European Commission presented the new Sport Chapter of Erasmus+ and its implementing modalities and participants had the chance to contribute to the consultation on the EU Work Plan for Sport 2011-2014 and future priorities. The first day concluded with the panel debate on the regulation of the transfer of players.

The second day was devoted to debate on dual careers for athletes, a topic in great interest of university sport. Basketball legend and Olympic gold-medallist Mr Sarunas Marciulioniss joined Mrs Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner responsible for sport, Mr Guy Taylor, Chair of the EU Expert Group and other distinguished panellists in a high-level panel debate on dual careers.
 

Alongside the Forum, the projects from the preparatory actions in the field of sport from the last two years, which received the support from the European Commission, were also presented in a form of an exhibition. Commissioner Vassiliou personally visited all the stands, where she also had the chance to meet the project leaders and partners.
 

EUSA representatives also had a chance to present EUSA and its activities, with special emphasis on the 2nd European Universities Games Rotterdam, which will be held next summer to the Commissioner. Mrs Vassiliou confirmed the importance of university sport and successful binding of individuals and their sport paths with their academic careers and learning opportunities.

During the event, EUSA representatives also had opportunity for several individual meetings with representatives of sports organisations from all over the Europe, including European Non-Govermental Sports Organisation (ENGSO), Dual Career Network (EAS), International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA), European College of Sport Science (ECSS) and others.

The Forum, which was also possible to follow via live webstreaming, concluded with a joint lunch with the European Sports Ministers. Next event is scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy in 2015.