HAPE - Home Affairs Programme of European Union in Kosovo

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.