European University Sports Association (EUSA) and the Organising Committee of the 5th European Universities Games Belgrade 2020 have reached a decision to postpone the Games until summer 2021 due to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. The exact dates of the competition will be confirmed at a later stage once feedback from all relevant stakeholders has been considered.
European University Sports Association President and Secretary General Matjaz Pecovnik has issued an official announcement on that matter:
“With the current situation unprecedented and unpredictable we acknowledged that the health and wellbeing of all involved could not be guaranteed by July nor would participants be able to adequately prepare considering the disruptions since the initial outbreak of the virus. The safety and protection of all EUG2020 participants athletes officials volunteers staff supporters partners federations EUSA members and the public at large remains our primary concern with this decision taken amid consultation with the highest national authorities of Serbia to ensure the wellbeing of all participants.
We thank all stake-holders partners members and the organising committee for their tireless efforts and commitment amid the uncertainty since the outbreak of the virus and appreciate their unwavering support of the decision to continue with the organisation of the Games.
We apologise for any inconvenience this unprecedented situation has caused and appreciate your support as we continue our preparations for what is still set to be one of the biggest European university sports competitions ever.”