Kosovo’s Minister of Youth and Sports Blerim Gashani spoke about the current challenges in preparations for the Mediterranean Games and the institutional commitment to their organization, stressing that despite external factors, work will continue at full intensity.
Speaking about the impact of global factors and legal processes, Gashani said that the pace of developments cannot be predicted accurately due to international crises, but this will not hinder progress. He underlined that the groundwork for organizing the Mediterranean Games in Kosovo has already been laid and that the relevant law is ready to be sent for urgent approval by the government.
The minister explained that the document was returned due to technical issues, but institutions are close to finalizing it and it is expected to be processed very soon, creating an important basis for further steps, including the establishment of relevant structures.
“I cannot say how much it may increase, because some issues are beyond our control, such as global crises that drive inflation, but we will not focus too much on these because every delay is costly—we will move forward. We are already paving the way. The law on the Mediterranean Games is ready and will be submitted very soon and urgently to the government… It has been returned, but cleared, only for technical reasons. Otherwise, even today we thought we would be able to send it to the government meeting, so we are very close. It will pave the way and create a framework for further steps, including the establishment of the relevant structures,” he told KosovaPress.
He further spoke about institutional commitment and the broad cooperation required for such an organization, expressing confidence that maximum effort will be made at all levels. Gashani stressed that not only the Ministry of Youth and Sports, but the entire Government of Kosovo will be involved, including the prime minister, key ministries such as finance, internal affairs and health, as well as local government. According to him, the Olympic Committee and the Municipality of Pristina, along with other host municipalities, will also play an important role, adding that he has already seen full readiness for cooperation.
“I am fully convinced, because we will give our maximum—not only from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, but the entire government, as we are all involved. From the prime minister to line ministers, finance, internal affairs, health, local government, infrastructure—we will all be together and give our maximum. The Olympic Committee, the Municipality of Pristina and the municipalities hosting the event will also give their best. I have already contacted most of them and have seen their readiness to work together. To return to part of your question, I see such events as an opportunity for Kosovo to shine—even if I personally or politically receive no credit, that is absolutely not a problem, as long as Kosovo shines,” Gashani said.
The Mediterranean Games are a major multi-sport event held every four years, bringing together countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. They were established in 1951 with the aim of strengthening cooperation, friendship and sporting competition among participating countries.
Athletes from three continents—Europe, Asia and Africa—take part, competing in dozens of sports disciplines. The Games are considered an important platform for promoting sport, developing infrastructure and enhancing the international image of host countries.
