The Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama, states that the capital is keeping pace with preparations for the Mediterranean Games — with clear plans in place for infrastructure and the construction of a new stadium.
In an interview with KosovaPress, he emphasized that although the local level is active and organized, the lack of central institutions is slowing down the process.
He calls for swift cooperation to avoid risking this historic opportunity for Kosovo.
“The Mediterranean Games are essentially tomorrow when you consider the time we have left to build the necessary infrastructure. As the capital, we have continued the process, including drafting the master plan for the Olympic village and detailing it — so we are, fortunately, two steps ahead. However, the absence of established central-level institutions is hindering the swift progress that should already be underway, especially regarding stadiums, various spaces, arenas, and other facilities for the Games,” Rama said.
The Mayor of Prishtina emphasized that they are in constant communication with the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG), keeping them updated on every step taken to ensure proper preparations for the event, which is set to take place in Kosovo in five years.
“In our meetings with the ICMG [International Committee of Mediterranean Games], we have informed and reassured them. They have seen that we, as the capital, are ahead in planning. For now, we’re on track, but we must not stop because time moves extremely fast,” Rama continued.
Seeing that no steps have yet been taken to build the national stadium, Rama revealed that the municipality will construct a new stadium — a UEFA category four stadium — which will serve the necessary functions.
“We have proposed, planned, and will build the capital’s stadium, which will have all the necessary capacities for international games — it will be a UEFA category four stadium, enabling it to host international matches. But whether it will be treated as the national stadium or not remains to be seen. What I’m saying is that we need a new stadium in the capital — one that we’ve planned and will build,” Rama stated.
He also spoke about the potential risk of Kosovo losing the right to host the Mediterranean Games, precisely due to delays in building the sports infrastructure, saying that under no circumstances will they allow this to happen.
“Fortunately, as the capital, we have many opportunities to push processes forward, and we will not allow [the failure to host the Games] to happen. I hope the government is formed as soon as possible, and that in cooperation with the local level — the capital — we can speed up the processes. The sooner, the better, and the better hosts we will be. We may have only one chance in our country’s, our capital’s, and Kosovo’s history to host these wonderful Games, and we must do everything to organize them in the best way possible. This reflects the level of development of our society on the international stage. So, I truly hope the government is formed soon and that we push forward urgently, because the sooner we complete our tasks, the sooner we can focus on the details and host the best international games ever. That’s our goal,” Rama said.
Calls for intensified efforts in preparation for the Mediterranean Games were also recently made by the Olympic Committee of Kosovo.
Speaking to KosovaPress, they said they fear that if work continues at this pace, Kosovo may not be able to host the Games in 2030.
