An extremely important step towards the organization of the 21st Mediterranean Games in 2030 took place in Prishtina, with the conclusion of the draft law that will outline the institutional framework of the organization.

The consecutive high-level meetings, hosted in the capital of Kosovo, were attended by the Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Daulina Osmani, the Albanian Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Endrit Hoxha, the Mayor of Prishtina Perparim Rama, the Presidents of the National Olympic Committees of  Kosovo and Albania, Ismet Krasniqi and Fidel Ylli, the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG) Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis and the President of the ICMG Legal & Ethics Commission Francesco Purromuto.

During the final meeting, the completion of the draft law was announced and it is expected to be submitted in the next meeting of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, in November/December 2024, for approval. After the vote of the Government, it will be submitted for approval by the Parliament of the Republic of Kosovo. According to the final agreement, the Organizing Committee of the 21st edition of the Mediterranean Games “Pristina2030” must be announced and assume duties by January 21, 2025.

The draft law includes:

• The establishment of the “Prishtina 2030” Organizing Committee.
• The legal form, the organizational chart and the framework of its operations.
• Procedures and facilities for investments in sports and other supporting infrastructure.
• The financing procedure of the organization.
• The roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved.
• The participation of Albania, which will host the Sailing Competition in Durres.

Following the conclusion of the agreement, the ICMG General Secretary Iakovos Filippousis stated:

“The completion of the draft law is a fundamental institutional process for the smooth preparation and successful organization of the Games. The contribution of all parties involved was pivotal and affirmed everyone’s commitment to the project.

On behalf of the President Tizzano and the ICMG Executive Committee, we express our great satisfaction for this development. We sincerely thank the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Albin Kurti for his continuous dedication and engagement, as well as his partners in the Government, the National Olympic Committee of Kosovo, the Municipality of Prishtina and all the stakeholders involved.

Given the declared closed collaboration and commitment, with utter respect to the technical timelines and giving absolute priority to our Athletes, we are confident that the 2030 Mediterranean Games will be staged successfully, leaving a unique legacy in the country’s Sports and infrastructure.”

The approval of the draft law paves the way for the prompt initiation of preparations, which will ensure the organization of a top-tier event, with a significant impact both on the sports movement and on the local communities of the wider region.