EULEX publishes report on Kosovo

The EU mission in Kosovo has published its first comprehensive report on the functioning of Kosovo’s institutions since the mission’s arrival in December 2008. The 136-page report, submitted by EULEX Chief Yves de Kermabon, contains more than 70 recommendations that EULEX will focus on in future. EULEX publishes report on Kosovo The report is divided into four parts—police, customs, civil society and non-governmental organizations. As far as the Kosovo police is concerned, the report states that it has a comprehensive legal structure, is well-trained, has good personnel, an adequate budget and equipment, and is successfully executing its legal obligations. There are worries, however, about the quality of administration and the capacities for strategic administration, which is of essential importance for success in fighting organized crime and corruption. Various recommendations are given, including the introduction of intelligence systems, which should be a priority in the next three years. One of the biggest weaknesses identified is communication and transfer of information, as well as the database system, which impacts negatively on the work of the border police. The report states that the Kosovo police is, by and large, immune to corruption, but that there is room for progress there too. The report mentions that cooperation with the prosecutor’s office is very important in the goal of cutting the number of serious crimes, organized crime and corruption. In terms of the number of minority officials, the Kosovo police is a model for police structures in the Balkans and Europe as a whole, something that was helped by the decision of several hundred Serbs to return to work, the report states. As far as courts are concerned, the report states that they are a lot less able to hear independent and effective cases and reach verdicts. The EU mission states that changes are needed in terms of the number of minority officials and women in the courts, and in guaranteeing independence in the courts’ work. The report states that reforms and changes are needed in order to increase public trust. To this end, the report proposes increased immunity for judges and prosecutors from pressure and corruption. EULEX is also unhappy with the way judges and prosecutors are selected, and there is also a lack of measures to ensure the independent work of prosecutors. They face outside pressure and there are no ad hoc solutions or institutional mechanisms to prevent this. Courts are usually inadequately secured, and there are serious shortcomings as far as witness protection is concerned. EULEX is aware of cases of intimidation of judges and prosecutors. As far as customs are concerned, the report states that ensuring correct interpretations and joint implementation of customs regulations in accordance with EU regulations continue to be the main challenges. EULEX states that there are lapses in procedures, and suggests that tackling cross-border crime requires improved cooperation between the Kosovo border police and the prosecutor’s office. With regards to civil society and non-government organizations, the report states that there were 4,952 registered organizations in January 2008. The conditions for registering, according to the report, are fairly easy to meet, and there is still a trend of about 20 new applications a week. The report is based on 2,500 evaluations put together by 400 EULEX observers and advisers over the last six months. (FoNet)

EULEX publishes report on Kosovo

The report is divided into four parts—police, customs, civil society and non-governmental organizations.

As far as the Kosovo police is concerned, the report states that it has a comprehensive legal structure, is well-trained, has good personnel, an adequate budget and equipment, and is successfully executing its legal obligations.

There are worries, however, about the quality of administration and the capacities for strategic administration, which is of essential importance for success in fighting organized crime and corruption.

Various recommendations are given, including the introduction of intelligence systems, which should be a priority in the next three years.

One of the biggest weaknesses identified is communication and transfer of information, as well as the database system, which impacts negatively on the work of the border police.

The report states that the Kosovo police is, by and large, immune to corruption, but that there is room for progress there too.

The report mentions that cooperation with the prosecutor’s office is very important in the goal of cutting the number of serious crimes, organized crime and corruption.

In terms of the number of minority officials, the Kosovo police is a model for police structures in the Balkans and Europe as a whole, something that was helped by the decision of several hundred Serbs to return to work, the report states.

As far as courts are concerned, the report states that they are a lot less able to hear independent and effective cases and reach verdicts.

The EU mission states that changes are needed in terms of the number of minority officials and women in the courts, and in guaranteeing independence in the courts’ work.

The report states that reforms and changes are needed in order to increase public trust. To this end, the report proposes increased immunity for judges and prosecutors from pressure and corruption.

EULEX is also unhappy with the way judges and prosecutors are selected, and there is also a lack of measures to ensure the independent work of prosecutors. They face outside pressure and there are no ad hoc solutions or institutional mechanisms to prevent this.

Courts are usually inadequately secured, and there are serious shortcomings as far as witness protection is concerned. EULEX is aware of cases of intimidation of judges and prosecutors.

As far as customs are concerned, the report states that ensuring correct interpretations and joint implementation of customs regulations in accordance with EU regulations continue to be the main challenges.

EULEX states that there are lapses in procedures, and suggests that tackling cross-border crime requires improved cooperation between the Kosovo border police and the prosecutor’s office.

With regards to civil society and non-government organizations, the report states that there were 4,952 registered organizations in January 2008. The conditions for registering, according to the report, are fairly easy to meet, and there is still a trend of about 20 new applications a week.

The report is based on 2,500 evaluations put together by 400 EULEX observers and advisers over the last six months.