HAPE - Home Affairs Programme of European Union in Kosovo

24/09/2026

Strengthening the institutional and technical framework for counterfeit currency cases

HAPE representatives met with the Basic Prosecution Office in Pristina as part of the assessment of institutional and technical infrastructure, information systems and training needs for the future establishment of the Kosovo Counterfeit Monitoring System (KCMS).
The meeting focused on the current role and procedures of the State Prosecutor’s Office in handling counterfeit currency cases, including the receipt, assessment and use of investigative and forensic information, as well as information exchange and cooperation with the Kosovo Police, Kosovo Forensic Agency and Central Bank of Kosovo.
The findings will contribute to defining the Prosecution’s functional and information requirements, inter-institutional data flows, information exchange procedures, interoperability and training needs within the future KCMS.
Read the full story below.

22/09/2026

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 conference on AI in Prishtina, led by a French expert.
The event brought together representatives from the European Union office in Kosovo (EUOK), Kosovo Police, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Police Inspectorate of Kosovo, Kosovo Academy for Public Safety, Special Prosecution and Basic Prosecution.
The conference focused on the opportunities and challenges of using AI in law enforcement, including generative AI, practical use cases, data protection, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the EU AI Act. Participants also discussed key risks such as inaccurate AI-generated information, personal data exposure, deepfakes and the need for human oversight.
Through practical case studies and open discussions, participants had the opportunity to explore how AI can be used responsibly while respecting legal and institutional requirements. The conference also highlighted the importance of developing appropriate frameworks for the responsible use of AI in Kosovo's law-enforcement sector.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing, discussion and cooperation among Kosovo institutions as they continue to adapt to the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
Read more: https://www.hape-kosovo.eu/awareness-conference-on-artificial-intelligence-ai-for-police-and-justice-held-in-prishtina-15-16-september-2026/

11/09/2026

HAPE Deputy Team Leader Philippe Marie visited the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety (KAPS), where he attended a practical drone demonstration for cadets of the 63rd Generation of the Kosovo Police.

The visit highlighted HAPE’s continued support to capacity building in the field of drone use and its cooperation with Kosovo’s public security institutions.

Read the full story below.

04/09/2026

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.

07/07/2026

From Knowledge to Practice - HAPE Supports KJA in Strengthening Organized Crime Training Curricula

HAPE Project has supported the Kosovo Justice Academy - KJA (Akademia e Drejtësisë) in developing the Organized Crime Training Curricula and Supporting Materials, providing a practical framework to strengthen the capacities of judges, prosecutors, investigators, financial investigators, and other justice-sector professionals.
The curricula combines case studies, analytical tools, and trainer guidance, integrating Kosovo legislation, domestic case law, international jurisprudence, and EU Member States’ practices to promote consistent legal reasoning and evidentiary assessment in organized crime cases.
The KJA Executive Director welcomed the training package and confirmed its integration into KJA’s continuous training programme. Read more: https://www.hape-kosovo.eu/news/

06/07/2026

French and Italian authorities have continued to work together on an investigation into a money laundering network that uses gold bars to launder drug trafficking profits. Following an initial operation in which EUR 30 million was seized, criminal assets worth EUR 1 million were seized under the coo...

06/07/2026

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.