The European Olympic Committees (EOC) has officially signed the Host City Contract confirming Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, as the 2027 Summer European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) venue. The signing ceremony took place at the Palace of the Regional Council in Trieste, symbolising a major milestone in the event’s lead-up to the XIX edition.
The agreement was formally endorsed by EOC President Spyros Capralos, EOC Secretary General Carlo Mornati, Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) President Giovanni Malagò, President of the Regional Government of Friuli-Venezia Giulia Massimiliano Fedriga, Mayor of Lignano Sabbiadoro Laura Giorgi, and Executive President of the Local Organising Committee Giorgio Brandolin. Also present was Liney Rut Halldórsdóttir, EOC Executive Committee Member and Chair of the EYOF Commission.
This will be the second time Lignano Sabbiadoro has hosted the Summer EYOF, having previously staged the event in 2005. The 2027 edition will build on that legacy, with the wider Friuli-Venezia Giulia region also having successfully hosted the Winter EYOF in 2023. The upcoming festival will follow Skopje 2025, making North Macedonia the 17th nation to organise the event, while future editions are already scheduled for Flanders in 2029 and Liepaja in 2031.
EOC President Spyros Capralos hailed the signing as a reflection of the shared vision and unity behind the project. He emphasised that the EYOF is more than a sporting event, describing it as a vehicle for transmitting Olympic values during a formative period for young athletes. Capralos also underlined the importance of the European Young Olympic Ambassador programme, which will again be central to the festival’s spirit.
President of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, Massimiliano Fedriga, expressed pride in bringing the Summer EYOF back to the region. He noted Lignano Sabbiadoro’s long-standing tradition of welcoming young athletes for training, education, and competition, and looked forward to showcasing the region’s capacity to host a top-tier international event.
CONI President Giovanni Malagò reiterated Italy’s enthusiasm in hosting Europe’s most promising young talents. He extended appreciation to the EOC and all local partners, highlighting the collaborative efforts underway to prepare for the 2027 edition.
Mayor of Lignano Sabbiadoro, Laura Giorgi, described the opportunity to host the EYOF as both an honour and a source of great excitement. She anticipated a festival that would leave a lasting impression, not only through sport but also through the emotional and cultural experiences it offers young athletes and visitors alike.
Local Organising Committee Executive President Giorgio Brandolin affirmed the team’s dedication to delivering a world-class event. He stressed the importance of providing top-level infrastructure and a welcoming environment as young athletes take an important step in their sporting development.
With strong support from all levels of government and sport, Lignano Sabbiadoro 2027 promises to be a landmark edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival, building on a proud legacy and reaffirming the role of sport in uniting and inspiring the next generation.
