Prishtina, 4 April, 2023
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti and the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Daulina Osmani, have met the President of the Olympic Committee of Kosovo, Ismet Krasniqi, to discuss the expression of interest of Kosovo in the organization of the 2030Mediterranean Games.
After the meeting, in a statement to the media, Prime Minister Kurti said that it is a special pleasure to share the great news that Kosovo is officially a candidate country for the organization of the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030”.
The organization of the 2030 Mediterranean Games in Kosovo will mark a historic moment in the development of local sports, and not only, were considering that the only Mediterranean Games organized in the Balkan region those in 1979 in Split, Croatia.
The 2030 Games mark the 21st edition of this multi-sport event which brought together athletes and citizens of 26 countries on three continents that are affected by the waters of the Mediterranean.
The Prime Minister emphasized that despite the fact that Kosovo is surrounded by land and mountains, for all sports that require access to the sea, we have agreed with Albania that they will be organized on the Albanian coast.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete press speech:
Dear citizens of the Republic of Kosovo,
Dear Media,
A little earlier, we finished the joint meeting with the Kosovo Olympic Committee.
It is my special pleasure to share with you the great news – that Kosovo is officially a candidate country for the organization of the Mediterranean Games, “Prishtina 2030”.
Sport occupies a special place in the heart of every citizen of Kosovo. And this, as a result of the talent and numerous successes of our athletes in the international arena. While the whole world sees and hears about these results, we are very happy to bring this great organization closer to the athletes and citizens of Kosovo, promoting peace, health, unity and excellence in the Mediterranean region and beyond.
The organization of the 2030 Mediterranean Games in Kosovo will mark a historic moment in the development of local sports, and not only, were considering that the only Mediterranean Games organized in the Balkan region those in 1979 in Split, Croatia.
The 2030 Games mark the 21st edition of this multi-sport event which brought together athletes and citizens of 26 countries on three continents that are affected by the waters of the Mediterranean.
Despite the fact that Kosovo is surrounded by land and mountains, for all sports that require access to the sea, we have agreed with Albania that they will be organized on the Albanian coast.
The Government of Kosovo has clearly identified the vision for the development of sports in our country.
As I said earlier, sports and physical activity are our national priority. We have increased support for sports by 200% compared to 2019 and 2020.
We found the budget of the federations with 3 million euros, this year we allocated over 8 million euros. So far we have licensed 23 sports federations. Over 300 sports activities developed in Kosovo, with participation in over 200 international activities. And at the end of September last year, we launched the 5-year program worth 12 million euros “Kosovo – State of Judo”.
The concept of organizing the Mediterranean Games in Kosovo foresees the extension of the organization in the entire territory of Kosovo with special emphasis on the 7 largest municipalities in the country. Through this concept, we will ensure a lasting legacy of this investment, and at the same time the impact will be felt in every corner of our country.
The hosting of these Games in Kosovo in 2030 reflects the vision of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the future of our youth.
• Consolidation of the state image in the international arena;
• Reinforcement of belonging and state identity;
• Modernized physical infrastructure;
• Revived economy through the creation of new jobs and the development of sports tourism;
• Strengthening of social policies and overcoming the challenges of society in general; AND
• Strengthening of sports results and sustainable development of sports in the country; these are just some of the direct benefits of Kosovo through this organization.
Throughout the years, we have proven our commitment to peace, our will to recover the memories of the past, as well as the determination to develop new narratives that present our development and cultural diversity.
Therefore, together with the Kosovo Olympic Committee, we will work with great pleasure and enthusiasm to welcome the sports community from the three continents of the Mediterranean in 2030.
Finally, on behalf of the citizens and athletes of our country, I want to thank the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games as well as the Olympic Movement in general for the continuous work and contribution to building a healthy and united society.
Thank you very much.
Congratulations to all, therefore, the candidacy of Kosovo, of our state, of our Republic for the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030”.
Goodbye!
Last modified: April 5, 2023