News

From 7 to 11 July 2025, under the auspices of the European Union’s Home Affairs Programme in Kosovo (HAPE), a specialized training aimed at enhancing international police and judicial cooperation was successfully delivered in Pristina. The initiative aligns with HAPE’s ongoing efforts to support Kosovo authorities in strengthening cross-border collaboration in criminal matters. The training, held on 8 and 9 July 2025 at Hotel Sirius in Pristina, was designed and led by short-term experts Maurizio Varanese, Chief Inspector of the Italian Police, and Angela Continisio, an Italian Prosecutor, alongside Mr. Marco Mosele, Judicial Cooperation Officer from Eurojust. A total of 15 law enforcement representatives attended, including ten from Kosovo Police and five from the North Macedonia Police. Participants engaged in an intensive programme combining theoretical insights with practical exercises based on a detailed and realistic cross-border criminal scenario. Key topics addressed included the application of Schengen instruments such as hot pursuit and cross-border surveillance, the role of international bodies like EUROPOL and EUROJUST in facilitating cooperation, as well as the establishment and management of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs). The training facilitated in-depth exploration of legislative frameworks, procedures, and operational tools necessary for effective international cooperation. Participants gained hands-on experience through simulated operational meetings, enhancing their capacity to organize and coordinate cross-border investigative activities. In parallel, HAPE experts initiated a preliminary assessment of Kosovo’s existing domestic legal instruments and operational mechanisms that enable effective international police and judicial cooperation. Constructive meetings were held with senior police and judicial officials, providing valuable insights and laying the groundwork for future improvements in Kosovo’s cooperation framework. The training concluded successfully, with participants demonstrating strong engagement and a significant increase in both theoretical understanding and practical operational skills. Additional trainings and consultations will be conducted in October and November 2025, further consolidating Kosovo’s capacity in international criminal cooperation. The HAPE Project remains committed to fostering regional stability through enhanced law enforcement and judicial collaboration.