The Second Consultative Forum of Prosecutor Generals and Special Prosecutors from the Western Balkans was held in Tirana today, organized by the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Albania and the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (EUROJUST).
Distinguished Attendees and Focus on Regional Cooperation
Key representatives from Kosovo’s Prosecutorial System were invited to the forum, including Besim Kelmendi, Acting Chief State Prosecutor; Blerim Isufaj, Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo; and PSRK prosecutors Ilirjana Çollaku–Tafa, Milot Krasniqi, and Rafet Halimi.
The event’s hosts also included Albanian Prosecutor General Olsian Çela, Head of the Special Prosecution Against Corruption Altin Dumani, EUROJUST President Michael Schmid, and European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato.
Strengthening the Fight Against Cross-Border Crime
According to a press release from Kosovo’s Prosecutorial System, Acting Chief Prosecutor Kelmendi highlighted the forum as a crucial moment for strengthening regional cooperation in the effective fight against organized crime, corruption, and other cross-border offenses. He thanked EUROJUST for its professional support to regional prosecutor’s offices, deeming it decisive in increasing efficiency in prosecuting criminal acts that threaten the security and well-being of citizens in the Western Balkans.
Chief Prosecutor Isufaj also emphasized the positive impact of cooperation with EUROJUST, specifically noting a significant increase in the number of joint investigative teams with prosecutor’s offices from the region and beyond. He stated these teams have been fundamental in combating criminal groups.
“Despite challenges, the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo has built bridges of cooperation with international law enforcement agencies and partner states, enabling further advancement in the fight against organized crime, corruption, and transnational crimes,” Isufaj said.
The forum, part of EUROJUST’s Project for Criminal Justice for the Western Balkans, aimed to strengthen cross-border legal cooperation and exchange practical experiences in criminal justice. Its objective is to foster more efficient investigations through the creation of joint investigative teams, inter-institutional intelligence exchange, sharing best practices, and reinforcing collective efforts against organized crime and corruption.
