Kosovo has made progress in strengthening its justice, freedom and security framework, but the European Commission says further action is needed to tackle organised crime, improve law enforcement and strengthen the country’s security institutions.
In its 2026 Progress Report, under Chapter 24, the Commission assesses Kosovo as having some level of preparation in this area, while noting that last year’s recommendations have been implemented only partially.
Among the positive developments, the report highlights the adoption of the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, the establishment of the Confiscation Fund, and the Supreme Court’s adoption of guidelines for adjudicating money-laundering cases.
The Commission also points to the approval of a new organisational structure for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the completion of a national risk assessment on money laundering and terrorist financing, and continued work on assessing threats posed by serious and organised crime.
On counterterrorism, Kosovo has signed the updated Joint Action Plan on Counter-Terrorism for the Western Balkans and submitted its national implementation plan.
The report acknowledges Kosovo institutions’ efforts to prevent violent extremism and radicalisation. It cites the closure of mosques operating outside the legal framework and the requirement for them to meet legal and administrative criteria. Meanwhile, the Special Prosecution Office has established several Joint Investigation Teams.
On migration, the European Commission notes a reduction in unfounded asylum applications from Kosovo. Authorities have also continued informing citizens about their rights and obligations when travelling visa-free to the European Union.
However, several important strategic documents and action plans remain unapproved. These include the revised emergency plan for managing migration flows, the Comprehensive Migration Strategy for 2026–2030, and the new Integrated Border Management Strategy.
Looking ahead, the Commission calls on Kosovo to increase the number of final convictions for money laundering and establish a national centre to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
It also urges Kosovo to amend its Law on Foreigners and gradually align its visa policy with the EU list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain visas.
Further recommendations include adopting and beginning implementation of the Migration Strategy for 2026–2030, the Integrated Border Management Strategy and the plan for managing migration flows.
Tackling Serious and Organised Crime
In its assessment of the fight against serious and organised crime, the European Commission says Kosovo has made progress and has reached a certain level of preparation.
The report highlights the adoption of the Kosovo Police Strategic Development Plan, the strategies for intelligence-led policing and community policing, and the Kosovo Police Human Resources Management Strategy.
Another positive development is the strengthening of institutional capacity to seize and manage cryptocurrency-related assets.
According to the report, the expansion of police intelligence structures at both central and local levels, together with the appointment of officers responsible for specific neighbourhoods and sectors, has improved the ability to analyse information and identify criminal activity.
These measures have helped institutions map organised crime more effectively and launch investigations without necessarily waiting for a criminal offence to be reported.
The Commission also notes a significant improvement in international police cooperation, particularly through the use of Europol’s Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA).
The high volume of requests and responses exchanged with EU Member States in civil and criminal matters is cited as evidence of Kosovo’s commitment to tackling organised crime that operates across national borders.
The number of final convictions in organised crime cases has also increased considerably, according to the report.
Nevertheless, the Commission says recommendations from the previous year have been implemented only partially in this area as well.
Kosovo is urged to improve the effectiveness of asset confiscation and increase the use of confiscation mechanisms by the Police and the Prosecution Service.
A key priority is the adoption of a National Strategy against Organised Crime, together with an action plan for its implementation, in line with EU standards.
The Commission also calls on institutions to improve the investigation and prosecution of high-profile organised crime cases and invest in more advanced technological capabilities for criminal investigations.
Particular emphasis is placed on financial investigations. These should be conducted systematically and in parallel with criminal investigations, allowing authorities to identify not only the alleged offences but also assets that may have been acquired through criminal activity.
Finally, Kosovo is urged to adopt a new Law on Narcotic Substances aligned with European Union legislation.
