Kosovo’s caretaker government has approved a draft regulation aimed at standardizing firefighter recruitment procedures, a move designed to strengthen the professional capacity of the country’s fire and rescue services and establish a transparent, merit-based hiring system.
The regulation, approved during Friday’s government meeting, aligns with the priorities outlined in Kosovo’s National Development Plan 2026–2028.
Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the draft regulation would create standardized recruitment procedures while reinforcing the professionalism of fire and rescue units across the country.
“The draft regulation standardizes the selection process and strengthens the professional capacities of firefighting and rescue units in line with the priorities of the National Development Plan 2026–2028,” Kurti said.
Caretaker Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla said the regulation was drafted as part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ 2026 secondary legislation agenda and is intended to establish a unified, transparent and merit-based recruitment system for firefighters throughout Kosovo.
Sveçla described the Fire and Rescue Service as one of the most important components of Kosovo’s public safety and emergency management system, emphasizing that its effectiveness depends on the availability of well-trained and professionally qualified personnel.
According to him, the new regulation sets out standardized recruitment procedures, eligibility criteria and institutional responsibilities in accordance with Kosovo’s Law on Public Officials, while ensuring that recruitment is conducted in line with the principles of legality, professionalism, transparency and equal opportunity.
He added that the regulation had received the required approval from the Ministry of Digitalization and Public Administration.
Sveçla also highlighted the urgency of strengthening firefighting capacities as Kosovo approaches the summer season, when the risk of wildfires increases significantly.
“With the summer season approaching and the risk of fires rising considerably, the need to strengthen the human resources of the Fire and Rescue Service becomes even more essential,” he said, urging the government to adopt the regulation.
Officials said the new framework is intended to improve the selection of qualified candidates responsible for protecting lives, property and the environment while enhancing the operational readiness of Kosovo’s emergency response services.
