EOC President Spyros Capralos and Coordination Commission chair Florin Misca attended the signing ceremony in Georgian capital Tiblisi as the country looks ahead to staging the 17th edition of the Winter EYOF.

Georgia is set to play host for the second time after Tiblisi staged the summer event eight years ago.

"Today we are very honoured to sign this host city contract," said Capralos.

"Congratulations and I am sure that Georgia will host an excellent Winter EYOF.

"In 2015 you hosted an excellent summer edition, so it was only natural to say yes to Georgia.

"The summer and winter EYOFs gather the best European athletes between 14 and 18 years old and some of these athletes, later on in their careers, become Olympic champions.

"Now this festival has become even more important because the events are transmitted live through the EOC TV channel all around Europe.

"This gives the opportunity for the athletes to be better known in their own countries, but also for the countries and the cities that host the festival to be seen all around Europe - so it is fantastic for your tourism and to attract visitors."

Georgia's Deputy Minister of Culture, Sport and Youth Ioseb Baghaturia, Borjomi Mayor Otar Arbolishvili and National Olympic Committee of Georgia President Leri Khabelov were also among those present at the ceremony.

"We are looking forward to working closely with the Organising Committee, the Georgian NOC and the local authorities over the next two years in the build-up to the Winter EYOF 2025," said Misca.

"Borjomi-Bakuriani is a beautiful part of the country of Georgia and we know they will host a fantastic Festival for all the young athletes to compete in when they visit in two years' time."

Borjomi-Bakuriani was awarded the hosting rights for the multi-sport event at the EOC General Assembly in November 2020.

A budget of $37 million (£30 million/€34 million) has been set by the Borjomi-Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee for the construction of venues for the Festival.

Last year's Winter EYOF was staged in the Italian resort of Friuli Venezia Giulia and saw athletes from 47 countries compete in 13 disciplines.