The Ministry of Justice of Kosovo has signed a €1.5 million contract with the Austrian law firm Zeiler Rechtsanwälte GmbH to represent both the Republic of Kosovo and the Kosovo Privatization Agency (AKP) in international arbitration proceedings. The contract was awarded on April 24, 2025, through a negotiated procedure without prior publication, and it was only officially disclosed today on the website of the Public Procurement Regulatory Commission (KRPP).
This legal contract covers representation in high-stakes arbitration cases, including disputes involving AgroKosova and the Italian Furniture Center versus AKP, as well as Suhareka Verari and Prorena versus the Republic of Kosovo. The selection process considered the global reputation of the law firms, their proven experience in similar international arbitration cases, their ability to provide services efficiently and within deadlines, and their commitment to rational public spending. Competing firms included Foley Hoag LLP from Boston, which offered €1.6 million, and Squire Patton Boggs from New York, whose bid reached €2.4 million.
The contract outlines clear responsibilities for Zeiler Rechtsanwälte GmbH, including regular reporting to the AKP and the State Advocacy Office, providing legal documentation and evidence on time, attending all tribunal sessions, preparing witnesses and expert testimony, and taking all necessary procedural actions to ensure a strong legal defense.
In the tender documentation, it is explicitly stated that the legal firm must prioritize the interests of the AKP and the Republic of Kosovo at all times. They must ensure that all personnel involved act with professionalism and full ethical compliance, in order to prevent procedural errors or financial risks that could negatively impact the state.
This agreement will last for 36 months and is seen as a strategic investment by the Ministry of Justice to protect Kosovo’s legal and financial interests in complex arbitration cases. It is also a reflection of the country’s increasing efforts to strengthen its international legal standing and safeguard state assets.
