The European Union has expressed serious concern over the failure of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council (KPC) to establish its basic organizational functions during its constitutive meeting held on January 20, 2026.
In a formal letter sent by EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, to the Acting Chief State Prosecutor, Agron Qalaj, the EU described the situation as particularly disappointing, stressing that the new composition of the KPC was intended to mark a key milestone in the ongoing prosecutorial reform process.
According to the letter, although the reform aimed to strengthen leadership and align the prosecutorial system with the principles of the rule of law, the Council was prevented from assuming its mandate and commencing its work as planned.
The EU emphasized that it has consistently supported the reform of the KPC, with the goal of reducing corporatism and improving compliance with rule-of-law standards. However, it noted that the reform was expected to be implemented in good faith and with a genuine commitment to institutional development.
In this context, the EU Office recalled that it had previously and repeatedly raised serious concerns about decisions that were procedurally irregular and, in some cases, unlawful, which have undermined the reform process. It added that a questionable approach to democratic leadership of the Council, under Qalaj’s chairmanship, has now directly obstructed the Council from assuming its mandate.
As a result, the letter warns that the legitimacy of the KPC has been weakened, which in turn undermines the EU’s partnership-based engagement with an institution whose credibility and commitment to lawful, transparent, and fair governance are now in question.
Ambassador Orav therefore urged Qalaj to take all necessary measures, within his role and responsibilities, to ensure the regular and lawful functioning of the Council. This includes full respect for legal rules and procedures, applied fairly, and the avoidance of any practices that could be perceived as procedural manipulation or tactical obstruction.
The EU underlined that the prosecutorial system is a cornerstone of the rule of law, and that its proper functioning is essential for Kosovo’s democratic development and its European integration path. The development of the prosecutorial system will remain a continuous commitment of the European Union and a key element in its assessment of the rule of law in Kosovo.
The EU concluded that the future form of its engagement will depend on the credibility of the Council and its adherence to the principles of lawful, transparent, and fair governance.
Separately, the Kosovo Law Institute (IKD) also expressed deep concern over the actions of Acting Chief Prosecutor Qalaj, stating on January 21 that his conduct is directly obstructing the implementation of the KPC reform and perpetuating a corporatist governance mindset within the prosecutorial system.
