The road to the European Judo Championships 2027 officially began in spectacular fashion in Apeldoorn, as the European Judo Union, the Dutch Judo Federation, the local organising committee and representatives of the Province of Gelderland gathered for a press conference at the magnificent royal stables of Palace Het Loo.
The event opened in English before continuing in Dutch, reflecting both the international importance of the championships and the pride of the host nation. The historic setting, the royal stables of the palace built in 1686 and used by the Dutch royal family until 1975, provided a symbolic backdrop: tradition, heritage and excellence meeting the future of European judo.
EJU President Dr Tóth László addressed the audience with a clear message: the 2027 edition will be more than a competition.
“The European Championships will not only be about medals,” he stated. “It will be a celebration of unity, friendship and the belief that through judo we can change lives.”
The European Judo Championships were first staged in Paris in 1951 and Apeldoorn 2027 will mark the 76th edition of the flagship continental event. The Netherlands has played a significant role in that history, having hosted the Championships on six previous occasions: Rotterdam (1957 and 2005), Amsterdam (1960), Voorburg (1972), Kerkrade (1979) and The Hague (1996). In addition, the Dutch have organised three European Team Championships.
Statistically, the Netherlands stands proudly second in the all-time European medal ranking, with 105 gold medals collected across 74 editions, a testament to the nation’s enduring judo strength.
It has been 22 years since the last senior European Championships were held on Dutch soil. President Tóth underlined that the successful Dutch bid was built on unity, organisational strength and vision.
“The situation in European judo has changed,” he explained. “Years ago, we were searching for organisers. Now, organisers are coming to us. The Netherlands presented not only a strong technical proposal but also a social vision.”
The 2027 edition in Apeldoorn will feature individual competition only, with the team event to be staged separately. This approach, already introduced in the current cycle, aims to ease pressure on athletes while creating focused, high-quality events within the Olympic qualification framework. Importantly, the event will form part of the Olympic qualification process, ensuring that Europe’s elite judoka will descend on Apeldoorn with both continental titles and Olympic dreams in mind.
True to the EJU philosophy of “Judo – More Than Sport”, the 2027 event is set to extend far beyond the tatami.
Plans include:
- A Judo Festival, including a Kids Camp, bringing hundreds of children from across the continent together during the Championships
- Dedicated Adapted Judo activities, reinforcing inclusion and accessibility
- Community engagement initiatives throughout Gelderland
President Tóth expressed his belief that thousands of Dutch children could be inspired to take up judo following the Championships, leaving a long-term legacy for the sport in the region.
“This is not only about hosting Europe,” he said. “It is about opening judo to the whole community.”
The press conference also featured a symbolic gesture reinforcing the strong bond between the EJU and the Dutch Judo Federation. In an announcement, President Tóth extended an invitation for Dutch representation within the EJU advisory structure, signalling deep trust and continued collaboration between the two bodies. It was a moment that underlined the family spirit so often referenced in judo circles.
With one year to go, preparations are firmly on track. The Province of Gelderland, national authorities and the Dutch Olympic structures are fully aligned behind the project, ensuring robust governmental and institutional support.
As President Tóth concluded:
“We are on time and we will create a fantastic event. I am sure of it.”
Apeldoorn 2027 promises not only world-class judo but a celebration of heritage, unity and ambition, staged in a royal city, within royal surroundings, and driven by a nation with a proud judo legacy.
Author: Szandra Szogedi