by InTrieste
Interviews by Erin McKinney: FVG governor, Massimiliano Fedriga; Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI); Liney Halldorsdottir, Chair of the EYOF Commission of the European Olympic Committees
The region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is set to host the 2027 Summer edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), bringing one of Europe’s most significant youth sporting events back to the Adriatic coast city of Lignano Sabbiadoro.
The announcement was made official with the signing of the host city contract between regional institutions, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), and the European Olympic Committees (EOC) on Thursday. The event, scheduled for July 24 to August 1, 2027, marks the third time Friuli Venezia Giulia has hosted EYOF, following a summer edition in 2005 and a winter edition in 2023.
“We want to increasingly associate the image of Friuli Venezia Giulia with sport,” said regional governor Massimiliano Fedriga during the signing ceremony. “We are convinced that sport holds value not only as a formative experience for future citizens, but also as an economic driver.”
According to Fedriga, Lignano Sabbiadoro’s existing sports infrastructure played a key role in its selection as the 2027 host city. The region, he said, aims to ensure the legacy of EYOF includes long-term improvements in tourism and sporting facilities. “This is why the Region has invested and will continue to invest,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by top officials including CONI President Giovanni Malagò, EOC President Spyros Capralos, EYOF 2027 Executive President Giorgio Brandolin, and the mayor of Lignano Sabbiadoro, Laura Giorgi. Also present were regional vice governor and sports delegate Mario Anzil, and Liney Halldorsdottir, chair of the EYOF commission.
Governor Fedriga emphasized that regional policy has focused on enhancing existing sports venues in Lignano Sabbiadoro without expanding urban development. “This approach avoids unnecessary land consumption and strengthens the city’s position as a hub for sporting events,” he said.
EYOF brings together thousands of young athletes from across Europe in a multi-sport event modeled on the Olympic Games, aiming to promote unity, sportsmanship, and development among youth.
Further details, including expected participant numbers and infrastructural upgrades, are anticipated in the coming months as planning for the 2027 festival gets underway.
