Ever since the beginning of sport psychology in Europe and worldwide, it was the exchange of ideas, theories and methods that brought the field forward. In this symposium, we aim at shedding light on some aspects of this exchange from a historical and wholistic perspective. Influences from major schools in psychology of the 20th century, for example, Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Gestalt psychology, or Activity theory, contributed to both theory development the entrance and application in sport psychology. Mutual exchange, however, depends on co-operation of persons, institutions, and countries within well-established and functioning structures and organizations. A historical view of the societal, organisational, and political framework conditions contributes to our understanding of the current state of our discipline and might help to shape its future more consciously. In Europe, right before the foundation of FEPSAC, the separation in a socialist eastern part and a capitalist western part of the continent, set high hurdles for exchange and cooperation, both on the political-ideological level and on the concrete organisational level. Erwin Apitzsch will discuss the role of FEPSAC in its efforts to encourage and facilitate the entrance for the new countries after the fall of the Soviet Union to become members of FEPSAC. Roland Seiler will analyse some concrete organisational difficulties in co-operation within the Managing Council during the Iron Curtain era. Sidonio Serpa and Alberto Cei will focus on the relationship between the two oldest international sport psychology organisations, namely ISSP (founded in 1965) and FEPSAC (founded in 1969). Jörn Munzert will present findings about the influence of Soviet psychology on motor control theories. Natalia Stambulova will elaborate on the supportive role of FEPSAC and the European Commission in the development of the dual career discourse in Europe.