The European Judo Championships 2027 will take place from 15 to 18 April 2027 in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. The championships, which play a key role in qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, have been officially awarded to the Netherlands by the European Judo Union.
Marc Haasjes, Interim Director of the Dutch Judo Association, commented:
“We are extremely proud to have succeeded in bringing this top-level sporting event to the Netherlands. With the support of the Province of Gelderland and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, we aim not only to deliver a world-class championship but also to create a meaningful legacy for grassroots sport. During the European Under-21 Championships previously held in the Netherlands, we demonstrated that this connection can be successfully achieved.”
The 2027 European Judo Championships form an important part of the Olympic qualification cycle, with results contributing towards selection for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. As a result, participation from all leading European judokas is expected.
Haasjes added:
“We hope that competing on home soil, supported by a strong Dutch crowd, will inspire our athletes to deliver outstanding performances. In 2023, our young judoka claimed three European junior titles in The Hague. It would be wonderful to see Dutch success again at this senior European Championship.”
The championships will be hosted at Omnisport Apeldoorn, located in the Province of Gelderland. More than 400 judoka from over 45 countries are expected to compete for medals.
Helga Witjes, Deputy for Sport in the Province of Gelderland, stated:
“Our objective is to ensure that as many residents as possible can enjoy this exceptional event. This will be achieved not only by offering the chance to experience elite judo up close but also by organising a wide range of recreational sporting activities for all ages. In this way, we aim to engage the entire province through a major international sporting event.”
The Netherlands has a strong tradition at the European Judo Championships. Dutch judo legend Anton Geesink claimed the European title on 21 occasions, Mark Huizinga won five titles, and Kim Polling stood atop the podium four times. The championships will return to the Netherlands for the first time since 2005, when Rotterdam hosted the event.
Further information is available at www.jbn.nl/ek2027, where judo fans can also register for the ticket waiting list.
In February 2026, László Tóth, President of the European Judo Federation, will visit the Netherlands to officially sign the host agreement.
Source: National Judo Association of the Netherlands
Author: EJU Media