Bulgaria's Varna Wins European Youth Capital 2017 Bid The Black Sea city of Varna is to be the European Youth Capital (EYC) in 2017, a jury panel announced Wednesday evening. At a special ceremony held in the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca (2015's winner), the final decision was revealed after having been taken in Brussels last week. Varna is the first Bulgarian city to win the contest and was preferred over venues in Portugal, Italy and Ireland. Social innovations and entrepreneurship are the main themes selected for 2017. Being a European Youth Capital does not bring any direct revenues to a city, but does allow it to become eligible for funding under youth projects. In 2017 Varna is due to hold events and projects designed to underscore the role of young people and youth organizations in society.