HAPE - Home Affairs Programme of European Union in Kosovo

05/05/2026

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.

04/05/2026

A high-level workshop 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.

01/04/2026

Training on drafting Technical Specifications and Negotiating Classified Security Contracts under GRK Regulation No. 03/2019 – Pristina, 25-27 March 2026

The HAPE Project successfully delivered a three-day Advanced Training on Drafting Technical Specifications and Negotiating Classified Security Contracts under GRK Regulation No. 03/2019, held on 25–27 March 2026. The training brought together representatives of the Kosovo Police to strengthen their professional capacities in security procurement, with a focus on legal frameworks, technical specifications, market research, and negotiation techniques for sensitive and classified contracts. Through a combination of practical exercises and expert-led sessions, participants enhanced their skills in ensuring compliance, transparency, and efficiency in line with European Union standards. This activity contributes to ongoing efforts to support Kosovo institutions in aligning with the EU acquis and improving performance in the areas of security and rule of law

19/02/2026

HAPE Training Sessions on Conflicts of Interest and Whistleblower Protection



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:

o the identification of conflicts of interest;

o declaration obligations;

o reporting mechanisms and whistleblower protection.

4. Practical approach – scenario-based exercises

Scenario-based practical exercises enabled participants to:

o distinguish between an ethical breach, a conflict of interest, and a situation requiring whistleblowing;

o analyse facts and legally qualify the situations presented;

o determine the appropriate measures and sanctions, as well as the reporting procedures to be activated while ensuring the protection of whistleblowers.



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.

19/11/2025

Regional Workshop on Cross-Border Criminal Justice Cooperation – Prishtina, 18–19 November 2025

This week, a two-day regional workshop on Cross-Border Criminal Justice Cooperation was held in Prishtina, bringing together representatives of Kosovo and Montenegro.

The training was designed and led by short-term experts Maurizio Varanese, Chief Inspector of the Italian Police, and Emanuele Marchisio, Italian Prosecutor, alongside Mr. Marco Mosele, Judicial Cooperation Officer from Eurojust. Officials from the Kosovo Police, Montenegrin Police, and prosecutors from SPRK contributed with practical case-based sessions and institutional insights.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in real-case discussions, exchanged operational experiences, and explored concrete mechanisms to enhance regional cooperation and joint investigative practices.

17/11/2025

17/11/2025

14/11/2025

Enhancing Legal Representation Capacities of MIA and KP

Under Activity 1.1.2.9, HAPE successfully concluded a three-day specialized training aimed at strengthening the legal representation skills of staff from the Legal Departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the Kosovo Police (KP) and Police Inspectorate. The training focused on the practical drafting of legal documents—including lawsuits, responses to lawsuits, and appeals—as well as institutional representation in employment, contractual, and disciplinary proceedings. Additionally, the training combined theoretical instruction with hands-on exercises and case-based discussions. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, rating the training as highly relevant to their daily work and noting substantial improvement in their practical understanding of legal drafting and representation techniques.

14/11/2025

Drejtori i Ekzekutiv i AKF takon përfaqësuesin e HAPE

Në ambientet e Agjencisë së Kosovës për Forenzikë (AKF), Drejtori Ekzekutiv z. Shemsi Duriqi, priti në takim z. Massimiliano Moro nga Programi për Punët e Brendshme në Kosovë (HAPE) i BE-së dhe ekspertët italianë Raponi dhe Invernizzi nga Forca Ajrore Italiane.
Takimi u zhvillua në kuadër të bashkëpunimit teknik mes AKF-së dhe partnerëve italianë, me qëllim vlerësimin e funksionalitetit të pajisjeve laboratorike dhe planifikimin e aktiviteteve të ardhshme të përbashkëta në fushën e analizave forenzike të mbetjeve të zjarrit dhe eksplozivëve.
Drejtori Ekzekutiv, z. Shemsi Duriqi, falënderoi ekspertët italianë dhe përfaqësuesin e projektit HAPE për mbështetjen e vazhdueshme dhe u shpreh mirënjohës për bashkëpunimin e frytshëm, i cili kontribuon drejtpërdrejt në forcimin e kapaciteteve profesionale dhe teknike të Agjencisë.
Ky bashkëpunim, i mbështetur nga Bashkimi Evropian përmes programit HAPE, shënon një hap të rëndësishëm drejt zhvillimit të mëtejshëm të AKF-së si institucion modern dhe profesional në shërbim të drejtësisë.

Translation in english:

Kosovo Forensic Agency Executive Director meets HAPE representative

At the premises of the Kosovo Forensics Agency (KFA), the Executive Director Mr. Shemsi Duriqi, welcomed for a meeting Mr. Massimiliano Moro from the EU Kosovo Home Affairs Programme (HAPE), and the Italian experts Raponi and Invernizzi from the Italian Air Force.
The meeting was held within the framework of technical cooperation between KFA and Italian partners, with the aim of assessing the functionality of laboratory equipment, and planning future joint activities in the field of forensic analysis of fire and explosives residues.
The Executive Director Mr. Shemsi Duriqi, thanked the Italian experts and the HAPE project representative for their continued support and expressed his gratitude for the fruitful cooperation, which directly contributes to strengthening the professional and technical capacities of the Agency.
This cooperation, supported by the European Union through the HAPE program, marks an important step towards the further development of the KFA as a modern and professional institution in the service of justice.

13/11/2025

From Knowledge to Action: Special Investigative Measures Training for Kosovo’s Justice and Security Sector



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 effective use of Special Investigative Measures.

The training was delivered jointly by KJA trainers and HAPE Project Italian experts (prosecutor and police investigator) who shared valuable experience and the EU best practices.

A total of 39 participants were trained consisting of:



18 Judges coming from all Kosovo Basic Courts
12 Prosecutors coming from all Kosovo Basic Prosecution Offices including Appellate Prosecutor’s Office
7 Investigators from the Kosovo Police
2 Inspectors from Police Inspectorate of Kosovo

The training aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in applying special investigative measures for the detection, investigation, and prosecution of serious and organized crimes. It also focused on legal frameworks, the practical implementation of investigative tools, and cross-border cooperation, supported by real case examples and best practices across EU Member States, and particularly Italy.



Participants were highly active and enthusiastic throughout the two days, engaging in lively discussions, sharing experiences, and demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing their professional capacities. The sessions were greatly enriched by the practical insights and interactive approach of the KJA trainers and Italian experts, fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.