Mediterranean Games kickstarts in Taranto, Italy; EU-backed MED-Volunteers to boost youth inclusion

Mediterranean Games kickstarts in Taranto, Italy; EU-backed MED-Volunteers to boost youth inclusion

The 20th edition of the Mediterranean games promotes values and objectives supported by the Pact for the Mediterranean

Publication date: 21 August 2026

Today, the 20th edition of the Mediterranean games kickstarts in Taranto (Italy) in the presence of the Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto. From 21 August until 3 September, delegations involving thousands of athletes, technicians, volunteers, official delegations and institutional stakeholders from over 26 countries in the Euro-Mediterranean region will meet in 20 competition venues. Athletes will compete in more than 33 disciplines, while at least 7 of these sports’ activities will have a specific focus on inclusive volunteering.

In a context marked by tensions and conflicts, the Mediterranean Games promote the spirit of peace, friendship, excellence, open mindedness and unity among the countries of the Mediterranean basin and embody the values and the spirit of Olympism which originates from this region. Collaborating with the Mediterranean Games is an important initiative of the first pillar of the Pact for the Mediterranean, which further advertises the benefits of sport and its positive impact in strengthening cohesion, overcoming social divides and promoting inclusion. In this context, the MED-Volunteers 2026 project supported by the EU through the Erasmus+ Sport programme , will act as a tool for active civic participation, youth empowerment and social inclusion in the Mediterranean Games. These principles will guide the actions of athletes and delegations and contribute to making the Games a memorable event for all participants.

At this occasion, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, said : ”From Egypt in 1951 to Italy in 2026, the EU is proud to support the Mediterranean Games now in its 75th year. These Games reflect the importance of our Pact for the Mediterranean which puts young people at its heart, including through the power of sport. Inspired by the Olympic spirit, the Games not only promote peace, friendship and solidarity, they also provide a common language in sharing people’s love of sport. By joining forces, we want to give this unique event even greater visibility, especially among young people, and bring people and communities together across the Mediterranean, values which underpin the Pact for the Mediterranean”.

Recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1952 , the Mediterranean Games are a multidisciplinary sporting event reserved for the nations of the Mediterranean basin . The competition is inspired by the Olympic Games and aims to promote sport and cooperation between the peoples of the Mediterranean . The first Mediterranean Games were held in Alexandria in 1951. The Games boast 75 years of history and are in their twentieth edition. Celebrated every four years, they constitute for the countries of the Mediterranean Basin the most important multi-sport event after the Olympic Games.

The Pact for the Mediterranean was developed by the European Commission and the European External Action Service, and adopted by the College in October 2025, ahead of its official launch by EU and southern Mediterranean partners on 28 November 2025, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration. Rooted in the principles of co-creation, co-ownership and shared responsibility , the Pact is the result of an unprecedented, inclusive consultation process, ensuring alignment with the real needs and aspirations of the citizens on both shores of the Mediterranean. It is a joint effort between the EU, its Member States and the southern Mediterranean partners, to work together on shared priorities for a connected, integrated, prosperous, resilient and secure Common Mediterranean Space .

What we do Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED) Global Gateway in the Mediterranean The Pact for the Mediterranean Southern Neighbourhood Regional cooperation with Southern Neighbourhood partners EU – Gulf relations Promoting higher education Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) Migration and forced displacement EIP

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Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED)

Global Gateway in the Mediterranean

The Pact for the Mediterranean

Regional cooperation with Southern Neighbourhood partners

Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI)

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Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI – Global Europe)

Fraud prevention in Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf

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