The Ministry of Youth and Sport in Kosovo is expected to have a clearer and more direct focus on sports development following its separation from the Ministry of Culture, while preparations for the Mediterranean Games and investments in sports infrastructure remain key priorities.
In an interview for KosovaPress, the Director of the Sports Agency, Fidan Shatri, spoke about current developments, concrete plans, and challenges related to this process.
Regarding the engagement of the Minister of Youth and Sport, Blerim Gashani, and his field visits, Shatri described this as a continuation of existing processes. He emphasized that infrastructure investments are directly linked to the organization of the Mediterranean Games and represent a major state commitment.
“Sports infrastructure within the framework of the Mediterranean Games, the government’s focus has been present since Kosovo was awarded the hosting of the Games, and they have committed 250 million euros, which will go into sports infrastructure. I believe that day by day, the projects planned for the Mediterranean Games will start, including new projects, as well as renovation of the current infrastructure, as foreseen in the bid book and in our work so far. This is an issue that belongs to the Government of Kosovo, especially sports infrastructure, as it is a government mandate and commitment for sports infrastructure, and I believe there is a concrete plan for the Mediterranean Games regarding sports infrastructure,” Shatri said.
Regarding the impact of the political situation in Kosovo, Shatri acknowledged that it may slow down the pace of work, but not stop the processes.
“Of course it has an impact, because last year the acting government had limited competencies, as far as I know, and those competencies made processes not move as quickly compared to a normal political situation. However, the government’s focus on the Mediterranean Games is a special priority compared to other tasks, and our national interest goes beyond the Games. We aim to ensure a legacy of sports infrastructure even after the Mediterranean Games, and this opportunity will be used to invest across the country, which is also the government’s goal,” Shatri continued.
Regarding concerns that Kosovo might lose the organization of the Mediterranean Games, Shatri rejected such claims.
“No, we do not have anything and I do not believe we will reach a point where we give up so easily, if I may say so. I have not heard anything. The law was returned by the Constitutional Court, and I believe that next month, if the situation in the Assembly of Kosovo is normalized, the law will be processed again by the government and the Assembly of Kosovo, and very soon we will have the law on the Mediterranean Games,” he said.
Speaking about concrete upcoming projects, he mentioned several important infrastructure investments.
“I believe very soon other planned projects will be defined, such as the aquatic center, tennis center, and shooting infrastructure. Work is also ongoing at the Student Center, which will serve as accommodation for athletes. At the same time, the Palace of Youth will also be completely renovated,” Shatri announced.
Finally, he also spoke about the national stadium, indicating that decisions will be made soon.
“The Minister Gashani has been briefed on the entire process regarding the Mediterranean Games since last year, when the transitional CMG for the Games started. He has been informed about the whole situation, and I believe that very soon the stadium issue, as well as all sports infrastructure planned as a national interest investment, will be finalized,” he said.
The Mediterranean Games represent one of the largest multi-sport events in the region, involving countries from Europe, Asia and Africa that border the Mediterranean Sea. For Kosovo, hosting this event is not only of sporting importance but also carries an international and developmental dimension, as it is seen as an opportunity to increase the country’s global presence and modernize sports infrastructure in several cities simultaneously.
