The newly elected Executive Committee of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) held its first official meeting in Taranto, just one day after the Closing Ceremony of the 20th Mediterranean Games, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Mediterranean Movement.

The meeting followed the elections held during the ICMG General Assembly on 20 August and brought together the members of the Executive Committee elected for the 2026–2030 term.

Opening the session, newly elected ICMG President Francesco Purromuto thanked the National Olympic Committees for their unanimous confidence they placed in him, as well as the members of the Executive Committee for their support, while outlining the principles and priorities that will guide his presidency.

Presenting his vision for the future of the Mediterranean Games, President Purromuto emphasized the unique role of the ICMG in uniting the peoples of the Mediterranean region through sport: “The ICMG must continue to move forward, strengthening its role as a bridge of communication, dialogue and cooperation among athletes across the Mediterranean. By standing united and working together in a coordinated and shared vision, we can ensure that the future of the Mediterranean Games is brighter, stronger and more promising than ever.”

He stressed that the new Executive Committee must operate fully in accordance with the ICMG Charter and that all members must work together in a spirit of unity and cooperation, guided by a common purpose and a shared commitment to the continued development of the Mediterranean Movement.

President Purromuto also highlighted the success of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, emphasizing how the event reflected the value of the guidance, expertise and support provided by the ICMG from the very beginning and, in particular, throughout the past year.

The Executive Committee subsequently heard a report from ICMG Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis, who presented the procedural and organizational adjustments required following the transition to the new administration.

Among the key decisions taken during the meeting, the Executive Committee unanimously approved the proposal to maintain the current Coordination Commission composition for the Portimão-Lagoa 2027 Mediterranean Beach Games, recognizing the excellent work carried out to date and the fact that the Games are now only one year away.

The Committee also unanimously endorsed the continuation of Julian Pace Bonello as President of the Coordination Committee for the Pristina 2030 Mediterranean Games.

In addition, the Executive Committee formally accepted the two candidatures submitted to host the 2031 Mediterranean Beach Games. The bids were presented by the Tunisian Olympic Committee for the island of Djerba and by the Slovenian Olympic Committee for the coastal cities of Piran, Izola, Koper and Ankaran.

Finally, the Executive Committee ratified the results of the elections for the ICMG Athletes’ Committee, underlining the exceptionally high participation of athletes from across the Mediterranean region. Sašo Bertoncelj was re-elected President of the Athletes’ Committee, reaffirming the important role of athletes in the governance and future development of the Mediterranean Movement.

The first meeting of the new Executive Committee confirmed a shared commitment to unity, continuity and innovation, as the ICMG begins a new era under the leadership of President Francesco Purromuto, with a clear ambition to further strengthen the Mediterranean Games as a symbol of friendship, cooperation and sporting excellence across three continents.