Funded by the European Union

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- HAPE Strengthens Institutional Training Capacities through Training of Trainers on Conflict of Interest and Whistleblower Protection

Throughout October 2026, the HAPE Project supported the Kosovo Police (KP), the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Police Inspectorate of Kosovo (PIK) in strengthening their institutional capacities through two specialised Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes on Conflict of Interest and Whistleblower Protection.

The first programme, focusing on Conflict of Interest, took place from 5 to 9 October, while the second, addressing Whistleblower Protection, was delivered from 26 to 30 October. Both programmes were conducted by a senior French short-term expert engaged by the HAPE Project, combining specialised expertise with practical training methodologies designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to deliver training within their respective institutions.

A total of 19 representatives participated in the two programmes, including 16 from the Kosovo Police, one from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and two from the Police Inspectorate of Kosovo.

Importantly, the programmes went beyond raising awareness and strengthening participants’ understanding of the two subjects. Their primary objective was to develop a pool of qualified trainers capable of transferring the knowledge acquired to other colleagues and delivering follow-up training sessions to police officers across the Kosovo Police’s eight regional directorates, as well as within their respective institutions.

By adopting a Training of Trainers approach, HAPE places particular emphasis on knowledge transfer, institutional ownership and sustainability. The initiative enables beneficiary institutions to build their own internal training capacities, ensuring that the knowledge and expertise gained can be further disseminated and applied in everyday institutional practice, extending the impact of the initial training activities.

Through these initiatives, HAPE continues to support the professional development of Kosovo’s law enforcement and internal affairs institutions, promoting stronger institutional integrity, accountability and transparency, while contributing to the long-term sustainability of capacity-building efforts.

- Awareness conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Police and Justice held in Prishtina, 15-16 September 2026.

On 15-16 September 2026, the Home Affairs Programme of the European Union in Kosovo (HAPE) project organized and supported a two-day awareness conference on AI in Prishtina, led by a French expert, bringing together representatives from the European Union office in Kosovo (EUOK), and key Kosovo institutions in the field of Law Enforcement, Internal Affairs, and Justice.

The conference brought together participants from EUOK, the Kosovo Police, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Police Inspectorate of Kosovo, Kosovo Academy for Public Safety, Special Prosecution and Basic Prosecution, creating an opportunity for institutions to exchange views and experiences on the growing use of AI and the challenges it may bring to their daily work.

Throughout the two days, participants explored the fundamentals of AI and its different forms, including embedded AI, generative AI and decision-support systems. Particular attention was given to the potential use of generative AI in law enforcement, including document summarization, drafting assistance and translation.

An important part of the conference focused on the legal and regulatory aspects of AI, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Police-Justice Directive and the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. Participants discussed why a clear legal basis, data protection and institutional compliance are particularly important when AI technologies are used in a law-enforcement environment.

The discussions also addressed some of the practical risks associated with AI, such as inaccurate or misleading outputs, data poisoning, exposure of personal data, deepfakes and forged documents, as well as the importance of maintaining human oversight and critical thinking when using AI tools.

The second day was dedicated to practical case studies, allowing participants to apply the legal and operational principles discussed during the conference to realistic law-enforcement scenarios, including the misuse of generative AI in investigations and the deployment of AI-enabled cameras.

The conference concluded with a discussion on the key challenges and risks related to the use of AI in law enforcement, as well as the importance of developing appropriate organizational, institutional and legal frameworks to ensure that AI is used responsibly and in line with EU standards. The two-day event provided a useful space for dialogue between Kosovo institutions and contributed to raising awareness about both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with the use of AI in the justice and law-enforcement sectors.

- HAPE Reviews Progress and Sets Priorities for Its Final Phase

Pristina, 3 September 2026: The 11th Steering Committee Meeting of the EU-funded Home Affairs Programme in Kosovo (HAPE) brought together representatives of the EU Office in Kosovo, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Special Prosecution Office, Kosovo Police and other partner institutions.

The meeting reviewed the results achieved during the first 40 months of the programme and agreed on the main priorities for its final phase, which will run until June 2027.

HAPE has supported Kosovo institutions in areas including specialised investigations, forensic science, border management, organised crime, anti-corruption and international police cooperation. Key achievements include training for police officers in undercover operations, surveillance techniques, digital forensics, fingerprint identification, drone operations, Artificial Intelligence.

The programme has also strengthened the Kosovo Forensic Agency through specialised training, new operating procedures and improved DNA-processing capabilities. Support for legal drafting, administrative procedures and professional training has further contributed to stronger institutional capacity within the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Kosovo Police.

HAPE has supported four Joint Investigation Teams and nine police operations, helping Kosovo law/enforcement institutions cooperate more effectively in complex and transnational criminal cases.

During the final phase, the programme will focus on database interoperability, integrity, Strategy against Organised Crime, specialised training on corruption, money laundering, financial crime and cybercrime and the fight against currency counterfeiting, as well as operational support for Joint Investigation Teams, drone units and critical/infrastructure protection. The Steering Committee confirmed the shared commitment of Kosovo institutions, the European Union and HAPE partners to achieving lasting and practical results in the home affairs and rule-of-law sectors.

- Strengthening Kosovo’s Response to Organized Crime: HAPE Develops Organized Crime Training Curricula for the Kosovo Justice Academy

The Home Affairs Programme of the European Union in Kosovo (HAPE) Project has successfully developed the Organized Crime Training Curricula and Supporting Training Materials for the Kosovo Justice Academy (KJA), providing a comprehensive and practice-oriented framework for the training of justice-sector professionals dealing with organized crime.

Developed in close cooperation with KJA, the curricula combines practical case studies, structured analytical tools, trainer guidance, and interactive learning methodologies to strengthen legal reasoning, evidentiary assessment, multidisciplinary cooperation, and the consistent application of legal standards in organized crime cases.

The curricula integrates Kosovo legislation, domestic case law, relevant international jurisprudence, and comparative judicial and prosecutorial practice from EU Member States, ensuring that training reflects both Kosovo’s legal framework and European best practices in combating organized crime.

During the official presentation of the curricula, the KJA Executive Director welcomed the Organized Crime Curricula and commended the quality, practical methodology, and comprehensive nature of the training package. The KJA confirmed its commitment to integrating the curricula into its specialized continuous training programme, recognizing its value in strengthening the professional capacities of judges, prosecutors, investigators, financial investigators, and other justice-sector practitioners.

The HAPE Project will further support Kosovo institutions in strengthening the home affairs sector and advancing reforms in line with EU standards and best practices. Working closely with key law enforcement and justice institutions, HAPE will contribute to enhancing institutional capacities, promoting the rule of law, and improving the prevention and fight against serious and organized crime.

- Strengthening Forensic Capacities within the Kosovo Forensic Agency (KFA)

A high-level workshop, held on 28 April in Prishtina, marked the conclusion of the Strengthening Forensic Capacities within the Kosovo Forensic Agency (KFA) initiative, bringing together senior representatives from the Italian State Police, the Italian International Police Cooperation Service – Central Directorate of Criminal Police (Polizia di Stato), the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare), the Kosovo Forensic Agency, and the EU Office in Kosovo.

The event highlighted Kosovo’s progress in forensic science and its increasing role in supporting complex investigations into organised crime and corruption, contributing to a stronger rule of law framework.

Advanced trainings delivered by Italian experts in line with EU standards—covering DNA analysis, narcotics and explosives detection, arson investigation, and gunshot residue—have significantly enhanced KFA’s technical and operational capacities.

Key contributions were delivered by Mr. Shemsi Duriqi, Ms. Fabiola Mancone, Mr. Lorenzo Bucossi, and Mr. Fabrizio De Paolis, reflecting a strong and coordinated institutional effort.

The initiative concluded with a certificate award ceremony, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening forensic capabilities and advancing operational cooperation.

A concrete step forward in turning technical expertise into tangible impact on investigations and justice outcomes.

- Training of Trainers (ToTs) and Basic Training Course on Drones – 23 March to 24 April 2026

On 24 April 2026, a formal certification ceremony was held to mark the successful completion of the ToTs and Basic Drone Pilot Training program. During this event, certificates were awarded to six newly qualified trainers — five from the Kosovo Police and one from Kosovo Customs — as well as to six new drone pilots, all representing the Kosovo Police.

The training program commenced on 23 March 2026 and was conducted over a period of three weeks. Throughout this intensive program, participants benefited from a comprehensive curriculum that combined both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The training was delivered by two highly qualified instructors from the French Police Academy, facilitated through the support of the HAPE project. The methodology and content of the training were aligned with the highest European standards, ensuring both quality and relevance in addressing contemporary operational needs.

The certification ceremony was attended by senior representatives, including the Deputy Commander of the Special Police Forces, officials from the Training Department of the Kosovo Police, representatives from the Directorate for Serious and Organized Crime, as well as representatives from the Anti-Smuggling and Intelligence Department of Kosovo Customs. Their presence underscored the institutional importance of this initiative and highlighted the collaborative approach taken in strengthening operational capacities.

Through this initiative, the HAPE project once again demonstrated its strong commitment to supporting institutional development, enhancing professional capacities, and fostering inter-agency cooperation. The successful implementation of this training marks a significant step forward in advancing the operational readiness and effectiveness of beneficiary institutions in addressing evolving security challenges.

This activity reflects a continued dedication to investing in human capital and modern technologies, contributing to a more coordinated and resilient approach in the field of law enforcement.

- HAPE Training Sessions on Conflicts of Interest (26-30 January 2026) and Protection of Whistleblowers (9-13 February 2026)

As part of its action aimed at strengthening and implementing the Integrity Plan, the HAPE project organised two training sessions for the eight regions of the Kosovo Police, focusing on conflicts of interest and whistleblower protection. More than 200 police officers participated in these two sessions. Interpretation in Albanian and Serbian was also provided by the project. For the delivery of these training sessions, the HAPE project engaged an expert from Civipol, who provided technical and operational expertise based on European Union standards and best practices. The objective of the trainings was to enhance participants’ understanding of the legal, ethical related risks, and to promote a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability within the Kosovo Police.

Training Content

1. EU definition of conflicts of interest and whistleblower framework
The training started with a presentation of the European Union definition of conflicts of interest, including the key principles applicable to public officials. In parallel, the European and national frameworks on whistleblower protection were presented, with particular emphasis on rights, safeguards, institutional obligations and internal and external reporting channels.

2. Participant engagement and identification of risk situations
Initial interaction with participants was ensured through simple and practical questions based on everyday professional situations, encouraging reflection and highlighting the potential existence of conflicts of interest or situations that may require reporting. Attention was given to the declaration of conflicts of interest and to the role of whistleblowers in preventing and detecting integrity breaches.

3. Knowledge assessment – multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ)
A multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) was used to assess participants’ understanding of:

4. Practical approach – scenario-based exercises
Scenario-based practical exercises enabled participants to:

Conclusion

The training sessions generated active participation and constructive exchanges. They strengthened participants’ capacity to prevent, identify and manage conflicts of interest, as well as to understand and apply reporting mechanisms and whistleblower protection, thereby contributing to the effective implementation of the Integrity Plan, in line with European Union standards and best practices. The feedback received from the Kosovo authorities has been very positive, highlighting the relevance, practical value and operational impact of the training sessions.

  • the identification of conflicts of interest;
  • declaration obligations;
  • reporting mechanisms and whistleblower protection.
  • distinguish between an ethical breach, a conflict of interest, and a situation requiring whistleblowing;
  • analyse facts and legally qualify the situations presented;
  • determine the appropriate measures and sanctions, as well as the reporting procedures to be activated while ensuring the protection of whistleblowers.

- January to April 2026: Strengthening Critical Infrastructures Protection in Kosovo

In January 2026, the HAPE Project launched an important initiative aimed at strengthening the protection of Critical Infrastructures (CI) in Kosovo through a structured Basic Training program for institutional staff. The training began on 12 January and will run until 24 April 2026, bringing together the division of critical infrastructure within the department of public safety at the MIA and key institutions responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructures.

Participants in this program include representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Kosovo Police (KP), the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Environment, as well as a Private Security Company active in the field of CI protection. The training is designed to enhance cooperation, coordination, and practical understanding among institutions that play a role in protecting vital national systems and services.

During the training, special attention was given to the National Risk Assessment process, helping institutions better identify potential threats and vulnerabilities and define appropriate protective measures for the national CI plan. In parallel, participants are also reviewing the draft Law on Critical Infrastructure, discussing its practical implications and sharing institutional perspectives that may contribute to its further development.

Another key component of the training is strengthening the interinstitutional coordination mechanism, which is essential for effective communication, information sharing, and joint action among relevant authorities and sectorial bodies.

The training also introduces participants to the main requirements of the EU Directive 2022/2557 on the resilience of critical entities, as well as the NIS 2 Directive related to cybersecurity and network resilience. Through this initiative, the overall goal is to ensure strong institutional cooperation and comprehensive support for the protection of Critical Infrastructure in Kosovo.

- 4–5 November 2025: Building Professional Capacities of Judges, Prosecutors, Police Investigators and inspectors in Economic Crime.

The HAPE Project, in cooperation with the Kosovo Justice Academy (KJA), organized a two-day training session bringing together judges, prosecutors, police investigators and inspectors to strengthen their practical skills in Investigation and Prosecution of Economic Crimes.

The training was delivered jointly by KJA trainer and HAPE Project Italian experts (including a prosecutor and police investigators).

A total of 28 participants were trained consisting of:

The training focused on practical approaches to financial investigations, asset tracing, use of special investigative measures, and inter-institutional cooperation to ensure more effective and coordinated responses to economic crime in Kosovo.

The participants highly appreciated the Italian expertise and practical insights shared during the sessions.

  • 18 Prosecutors coming from Basic Prosecution Offices across seven Kosovo regions, the Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, and the Special Prosecution Office
  • 1 Judge from the Basic Court
  • 7 Police investigators from the Kosovo Police
  • 2 Police inspectors from Police Inspectorate of Kosovo

- 21–22 October 2025: European Union’s HAPE Project Successfully Delivers the Second Training on International Police and Judicial Cooperation in Kosovo.

The European Union’s Home Affairs Programme in Kosovo (HAPE) successfully delivered the second training on international police and judicial cooperation on 21 and 22 October 2025 in Pristina. The activity, aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration in criminal matters, brought together law enforcement and judicial officials from Kosovo and Albania. The training was designed and led by short-term experts Maurizio Varanese, Chief Inspector of the Italian Police, and Emanuele Marchisio, an Italian Prosecutor, alongside Mr. Marco Mosele, Judicial Cooperation Officer from Eurojust. Participants engaged in interactive sessions combining theoretical and practical components focused on Schengen instruments, international coordination mechanisms, and the establishment of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs). This initiative is part of HAPE’s ongoing commitment to support Kosovo authorities in enhancing operational and legal capacities for effective international police and judicial cooperation, contributing to stronger regional security and justice cooperation frameworks.