As part of the opening ceremony, a parade was held featuring athletes from all 49 national Olympic committees, as well as a refugee team representing the European Olympic Committees (EOC). Croatia was represented by around 70 athletes and delegation members, led by flagbearers Eva Barbarić (athletics) and Filip Krnjaić (taekwondo).
The new generation of European athletes was welcomed by Spyros Capralos, president of the EOC, who emphasised the importance of the EYOF as a platform for developing youth sport in Europe and encouraging cultural exchange through competition, fair play, and mutual respect.
The EYOF was then officially declared open by North Macedonia President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova.
The opening ceremony also featured a theatrical and musical spectacle showcasing Macedonian culture, music, and visual arts.
The EYOF was also ceremonially opened in Osijek, which will host around 500 gymnasts from 40 European countries until 26 July.
In a video message to the people of Osijek, Capralos described the joint organisation by North Macedonia and Croatia as a perfect example of the unique power of sport to unite people.