EU Launches Kosovo Home Affairs Programme to Strengthen Cooperation and Rule of Law in Kosovo

The European Union (EU) is pleased to announce the launch of the "EU Kosovo Home Affairs Programme," a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the alignment of Kosovo's home affairs sectors with European standards and best practices. The programme, funded by the EU, will be implemented by the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the French Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Belgium Federal Police.

Starting from 1st March 2023, the EU Kosovo Home Affairs Programme will be implemented with a budget of EUR 6,5 million and a duration of 40 months. The main objective of the programme is to promote the rule of law and fundamental rights in Kosovo by facilitating joint investigation teams and enhancing cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The project will also provide operational support, transfer skills, and competences to improve the effectiveness of investigations in Kosovo.

"We are pleased to launch the EU Kosovo Home Affairs Programme, which represents a significant milestone in our ongoing support to Kosovo. This programme will play a vital role in strengthening the fight against organized crime, enhancing the cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and promoting the rule of law," stated Johannes Madsen, the EU’s Head of Cooperation in Kosovo.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Police in Kosovo will be the main beneficiaries of this programme, which will follow the major reform process of the Kosovo Police and Ministry of Internal Affairs, aligning them with EU standards. In close collaboration with Eurojust, Europol, and other relevant EU law enforcement agencies, the project will foster the establishment of joint investigation teams, improving the capacity for international and cross-border investigations.

Furthermore, the EU Kosovo Home Affairs Programme will address critical areas of reform in Kosovo, including the protection of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity. The project will provide assistance to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in identifying and designating national and European critical infrastructures, as well as support in developing operator security plans. Additionally, efforts will be made to establish a Cybersecurity Agency and align the legal and institutional framework of Kosovo with EU standards.

"The launch of the EU Kosovo Home Affairs Programme marks a significant step towards strengthening the home affairs sector in Kosovo. Through this programme, we aim to reinforce the intelligence and analysis capacities of the police, implement community policing at all levels, and enhance operational capacity for international and cross-border investigations," emphasized Xhelal Sveçla, Minister of Internal Affair of Kosovo.

The EU Kosovo Home Affairs Programme underscores the commitment of the EU and its Member States to collaborate with Kosovo in achieving tangible results in the fight against organized crime and advancing the rule of law. The participation of high-level representatives from the EU, Member States, and beneficiary institutions reflects the shared determination to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.