After six days of intense competition and camaraderie, the European Youth Olympic Festival –EYOF– Skopje 2025 came to a close with an emotional Closing Ceremony at the Jane Sandanski Sports Centre. The largest edition in the event’s history brought together more than 4,000 athletes and officials from 50 delegations, in a celebration of sport, youth and the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship.

The competitions, which spanned 15 sports, were followed by millions through EOC TV, which recorded 1.36 million views over the week.

European records and Italian dominance

Among the most notable sporting highlights, Estonia’s Allika Inkeri Moser set a new under-18 world best in the Girls’ Pole Vault with a jump of 4.52 metres. There were also European under-18 records for Italy’s Kelly Doualla in the Girls’ 100m and Türkiye’s Elif Berfin Altun in the 10m Air Rifle Shooting event.

Italy topped the medal table for the third consecutive Summer EYOF with 19 golds, 19 silvers and 12 bronzes, followed by France with 15 golds. Spain, Türkiye, Great Britain, Poland and Hungary each won 10 golds.

“The very best of sport and spirit”

European Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos officially declared the EYOF closed, thanking everyone who contributed to the success of the event. “What an extraordinary week it has been. We’ve had the great privilege of witnessing the hard work, passion and joy of our young athletes. From breathtaking performances to unforgettable celebrations, and above all, the genuine respect between you all – you’ve shown us the very best of sport and spirit. Millions across Europe have followed your journeys. Like us, they’ve been moved, inspired and uplifted. Congratulations to all 4,000 participants.”

North Macedonia, a proud host

Daniel Dimevski, President of the Skopje 2025 Organising Committee and of the National Olympic Committee of North Macedonia, highlighted the human and symbolic impact of the event.

“This has been far more than a sports competition. It’s been a celebration of youth, sincere friendship and mutual respect,” he said. “North Macedonia has proven it can host an event of this scale with professionalism and heart – and even more importantly, that it can inspire and unite. This is the legacy we will carry forward.”

Music, applause and flag handover

The Closing Ceremony paid tribute to the athletes, coaches and volunteers who brought EYOF 2025 to life, and featured a special performance by Kiril Dzajkovski, a pioneer of electronic music in the region.

As tradition dictates, the EOC Flag was handed over to Laura Giorgi, Mayor of Lignano Sabbiadoro, and Giorgio Brandolin, President of the Organising Committee of the EYOF 2027, which will take place in the Italian city.