The 2003 European Athletics Junior Championships was held in Tampere, Finland from 23 to 27 July 2003.

Four championship records were set at the competition, although three were as a result of using lighter implements in the men's throwing events.

The long-distance track events also provided opportunities for athletes to double up, as Inna Poluškina and Marius Ionescu both left the competition with a gold and a silver medal.

[2] The men's javelin throw offered the chance for the hosts to demonstrate their ability in the country's favourite athletics event – the Finnish men swept the podium through the efforts of Teemu Wirkkala, Tero Järvenpää, and Antti Ruuskanen.

In the women's 2000 m steeplechase, Catalina Oprea set a world record in the rarely competed event, despite falling over mid-race.