Prishtina Mayor Përparim Rama has accused Kosovo’s government of putting the country’s hosting of the ‘Prishtina 2030 Mediterranean Games’ at risk, citing outstanding financial obligations, administrative delays, and lack of institutional coordination.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Mayor Rama, and published by the latter, the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, ICMG, has warned that these problems could jeopardise preparations for the event.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Rama said the letter, which he received on October 15, 2026, notes outstanding administrative and financial commitments, including a bank or insurance guarantee that has been due since January and payments that should have been made in June.

“The continued absence of an administrative response, as well as the fact that the bank/insurance guarantee, due since January 2026, remains outstanding, as does the payment of the fees due for June 2026, the ICMG regards the aforementioned circumstances as clear indications of serious difficulties on the part of the ICMG and the stakeholders in duly implementing the Host City Contract and its Amendment, and in fulfilling the obligations arising therefrom, difficulties which inevitably place the smooth preparation and organisation of the 2030 Mediterranean Games at serious risk,” the letter reads.

The ICMG further noted that the Executive Committee is due to examine the matter at its next meeting on December 19, 2026, with a view to safeguarding the 2030 Games and future editions of the competition.

“I am not complaining, but raising a public alarm over the ICMG’s warning that, because of the government’s failure to respond and act, we risk losing the Mediterranean Games,” Rama said on Friday at a press conference.

Rama added that the municipality had, “sought institutional coordination and an urgent meeting of the governing board overseeing preparations.”

He added that the board, chaired by Kurti, has not met since August 14, despite repeated requests.

“Prishtina won the right to host the Mediterranean Games in 2030. We have worked on the master plan, identified the projects and locations, and voted them through the Capital’s Assembly,” Rama wrote on Thursday.

“Now, when it is the government’s and the Organising Committee’s turn, headed by Albin Kurti himself, unlike in any other country, Kosovo risks losing this historic opportunity,” Rama added.

The mayor also claimed that the ICMG had reacted negatively to Kurti’s proposal to change the event’s name from “Prishtina 2030” to “Kosova 2030”.

Sports and Youth Minister Blerim Gashani responded to the publication of the letter by saying that, “the government remained fully committed to organising the Games.”

Gashani criticised Rama, describing the public release as “unnecessary theatrics”.

“Kosovo will organise and will shine in the 2030 Mediterranean Games, in terms of both the organisation and the successes of our athletes in sport arenas,” Gashani said.

Prishtina was selected to host the 2030 Mediterranean Games on September 8, 2023, at the General Assembly of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games in Heraklion, Greece.

As Kosovo is landlocked, neighbouring Albania has pledged to assist with the organisation by providing its coastline for sailing competitions. 

Preparations for the 2030 edition have been marked by delays, due to lack of coordination between the local and central governance level in Kosovo.

Established in 1951, the Mediterranean Games are a multi-sport competition held every four years, bringing together athletes from countries across the Mediterranean region.