Rama on the Mediterranean Games: We will not let them slip away

Pristina Mayor Përparim Rama says the capital is on track with preparations for the Mediterranean Games, with clear plans for infrastructure and the construction of a new stadium.

In an interview with KosovaPress, he emphasizes that although the local level is active and organized, the absence of central institutions is slowing the process.

He calls for swift cooperation to avoid putting this historic opportunity for Kosovo at risk.

“The Mediterranean Games are just around the corner, given the time we have to build the infrastructure needed for the Mediterranean Games. As the capital, we have continued the process, drawing up the master plan for the Olympic Village for the Mediterranean Games and detailing it, so fortunately we are two steps ahead. However, the failure to establish central-level institutions is naturally preventing the rapid progress that should already be under way on stadiums, various facilities, arenas and other venues for the Mediterranean Games,” Rama says.

The head of the Municipality of Pristina emphasizes that they are in constant communication with the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, informing it of every step being taken in preparation for the successful staging of these games in Kosovo, which will be held in five years.

“In our meetings with ICMG [the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games], we have also explained and given them confidence; they have seen that, in fact, as the capital, we are ahead with our planning. So, for the moment, we are on track, but we must not stop because time is passing extremely quickly,” Rama continues.

Noting that no steps have yet been taken to build a national stadium, Rama says the municipality will build a new stadium, a UEFA Category 4 venue, to serve this purpose.

“We have proposed and planned, and we will build the capital’s stadium, which will have all the capacity needed for international games as well. In other words, it will be a UEFA Category 4 stadium, capable of meeting all the requirements for international games. Whether it will be designated as the national stadium remains to be seen, but what I am saying is that we need a new stadium for the capital, which we have planned and will build,” Rama says.

He spoke about the potential risk of Kosovo losing the right to host the Mediterranean Games precisely because of delays in building sports infrastructure, saying that they would under no circumstances allow this to happen.

The Kosovo Olympic Committee has also recently called for work to be stepped up on preparations for the Mediterranean Games.

Speaking to KosovaPress, it said it fears that, at the current pace of work, Kosovo may not be ready to host these games in 2030.