The adoption of the Law on the Mediterranean Games is seen as an essential step for the continuation of preparations for the organization of this major sports event that is expected to be held in Pristina in 2030.
The former deputy of the Assembly of Kosovo, Bylbyl Sokoli, estimates that now the necessary legal basis has been created to move forward with the project, despite the distribution of the current legislature.
According to him, the main importance lies in the fact that the process has not been blocked and that the institutions already have a clear framework for the continuation of planning according to the master plan of the organization.
In this context, Sokoli emphasizes for KosovaPress that the approval of the law was necessary due to the tight deadlines and the dynamics of the preparations, underlining that this step guarantees the continuity of the project despite the political developments in the country.
He adds that the organization of the Mediterranean Games represents one of the biggest international sports projects for Kosovo, with participation from three continents and with special characteristics, including co-organization with Albania, where sailing competitions will be held in Durrës.
Sokoli emphasizes that the infrastructure to be built must be sustainable and useful even after the end of the Mediterranean Games, avoiding projects that would not be used later and that would create unnecessary costs for maintenance.
Regarding sports capacities, Sokoli estimates that Kosovo does not need stadiums with very large capacities such as 50,000 or 60,000 seats, but more functional structures of 15,000 to 20,000 seats, arguing that the maintenance costs of large stadiums would be unaffordable for a state with the size and budget of Kosovo.
He emphasizes that the priority should be the construction of stadiums that meet international standards and that can serve for the Mediterranean Games, mentioning that the “Adem Jashari” stadium can play a key role in the opening ceremony of this event.
“Everyone thinks that we should have stadiums of 50,000, 60,000 spectators, 30,000 spectators. We must know one thing clearly, we are a country of 1.5 million, 2 million inhabitants and we need stadiums with a maximum of 15,000, 20,000 spectators. Because of the cost of maintenance, because a stadium with 15-20,000 depending on the quality of the stadium, the cost of maintenance is from 3 to 15 million euros. If there were 10 million euros, we need to spend 100 million euros on maintenance. For us, it is difficult to afford meet the criteria for the opening and closing of the Mediterranean Games…And in this direction we have worked and are working so that the ‘Adem Jashari’ stadium will be the stadium that will be ready for the opening of the Mediterranean Games”, said Sokoli at the end.
In 2030, Pristina will host this great event, in co-organization with Albania. For Kosovo, this is the first time that it undertakes the organization of such an international event of this level, putting the country on the map of major sports organizers.
The organization of the Mediterranean Games is considered a strategic project not only for sports, but also for development, as it brings important investments in infrastructure and leaves a long-term legacy for sport and the community. Precisely for this reason, the preparations for “Prishtina 2030” are being seen as a key moment for the sports development and the international image of Kosovo. /Kosovapress
