The Prishtina 2030 Mediterranean Games are being considered one of the biggest sporting events ever expected to be held in Kosovo. Beyond the sporting aspect, they are also seen as an important opportunity for economic development, infrastructure improvement, and increasing the country’s international visibility. Italian journalist Fabio Donfrancesco, in an interview with KosovaPress, highlights that hosting these games could serve as a key moment to promote Kosovo in Europe and beyond.
Initially, he talks about the potential this event has for Kosovo’s economic and tourism development. According to him, for a small country rapidly developing in several sectors, hosting the Mediterranean Games represents a significant opportunity for economic growth and attracting international tourists. He emphasizes that Kosovo is a beautiful country that can attract visitors from Italy and many other European countries, while such a sporting event could make the country even better known on the international stage.
“For a small country, but rapidly developing in economic and tourism sectors like Kosovo, the 2030 Mediterranean Games will be an important opportunity—a very significant one—for economic development and, naturally, for tourism as well. I know that your country is very beautiful, not only for Italians but also for tourists from other European countries, so it’s a good opportunity for them to get to know your country. I think these will be very good moments, not only for sport but also for economic reasons,” Donfrancesco initially emphasizes.
He then addresses the challenges that typically accompany organizing large sporting events, especially in terms of administrative and bureaucratic issues. He mentions Italy’s experience with bureaucracy and expresses hope that Kosovo will have simpler processes in this regard. Nevertheless, he stresses that despite the challenges, the Mediterranean Games represent an important opportunity for the country’s development and to place Kosovo at the center of attention in the European and Mediterranean region.
“In Italy, we have many problems with bureaucracy. I hope your country will be easier, but regardless, putting that aside, this is an opportunity to develop your country, of course, and to place it on the screen of the European and Mediterranean regions. So I am confident that it is a good opportunity for your country, for developing your economy, and for your tourism… It is not easy, but I want to say that it is a good chance to do good things in your country,” Donfrancesco continues.
Finally, the Italian journalist discusses the broader economic benefits that such games can bring, referring to Italy’s experience hosting them in Taranto. He notes that such events are not only sporting competitions but also engines for infrastructure development and tourism promotion. Donfrancesco mentions the significant public investments made in Italy to prepare for the Mediterranean Games and emphasizes that Kosovo could also benefit from European Union programs and funds to develop infrastructure and economic projects related to the Mediterranean region.
“The Mediterranean Games, held from August 21 to September 3 in Taranto, Italy, are a major economic event for Italy, especially for the development of Southern Italy and the Puglia region. The Mediterranean Games are not just sports competitions but also drivers of infrastructure redevelopment and opportunities for international tourism promotion. The Italian government has allocated €275 million in public investments for the redevelopment of sports facilities in Taranto and surrounding cities, including €60 million for the Iacovone Stadium in Taranto and €36 million for the stadium in Lecce. This initiative is part of the Blue Economy project, which is also very important for your country. The European Union has allocated €180 billion for this plan in Mediterranean countries. Therefore, the sporting event in Italy is expected to generate around €55 billion in tourism and hospitality,” he concluded.
Hosting the 2030 Mediterranean Games is seen as a significant moment for Kosovo not only in terms of sports but also in terms of development. The experience of other countries that have hosted this event shows that the Mediterranean Games often serve as a catalyst for infrastructure investment, increased tourism, and greater international promotion. In this context, expectations are that Pristina and other host cities will benefit from projects implemented in preparation for the event, turning it into an opportunity for the country’s long-term development.
