The European Union and the Council of Europe have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ongoing institutional reforms in Kosovo*  through technical assistance and legislative and policy expertise provided by the joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”. Currently in its third phase, this initiative aims to better align Kosovo’s legislative and policy framework with European standards and best practices, focusing on strengthening justice efficiency, combating discrimination, and advancing freedom of expression and media freedom.

Thanks to this collaboration, significant progress has been made, paving the way for further activities that should support the authorities in further reforms. These achievements were highlighted during today’s second meeting of the Beneficiary Steering Committee, held in Pristina with representatives from partner organisations and beneficiaries.

Florim Canolli, Director of Development Co-operation Office within the Office of the Prime Minister/NIPAC Representative, expressed appreciation for the European Union and Council of Europe assistance in supporting the public authorities to achieve their reform goals and align with European standards in the fields of human rights, rule of law, and democracy. “I would like to emphasise the strategic partnership between the Government of Kosovo and the Council of Europe, which is based on Kosovo's commitment to the highest standards of human rights and rule of law", said Canolli.

Johannes Madsen, Head of Co-operation Section at the European Union Office in Kosovo stressed that: “The Horizontal Facility III exemplifies the power of partnership between the European Union and the Council of Europe in advancing human rights, rule of law, and democracy. By strengthening justice systems, combating discrimination, and safeguarding media freedom, we are fostering a fairer and more inclusive society. Today’s discussions are vital in ensuring that our joint efforts translate into sustainable, long-term benefits for the institutions and people of Kosovo."

Schnutz Dürr, Head of Programming Department at the Council of Europe’s Directorate of Programme Co-ordination, reiterated the Council’s dedication emphasising: “The Council of Europe remains committed to its partnership with the European Union in our common endeavour to support the authorities in their reform process striving to bring sustainable and positive change.”

Senior representatives from beneficiary institutions, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils, the Ombudsperson Institution, the Independent Media Commission, and civil society organisations, underscored the shared vision of advancing the rule of law, democracy, and human rights while fostering regional co-operation and alignment with European standards.

Key achievements include:

•             Combating Discrimination and Promoting Diversity:
The Action Plan for Promoting and Protecting the Rights of LGBTI Persons (2024–2026) was finalised through an inclusive public consultation process. Additionally, expertise was provided to amend the Law on Protection from Discrimination.

•             Enhancing Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom:
The programme delivered a legal opinion with key recommendations on the Draft Law on the Independent Media Commission, supporting efforts to strengthen media regulation in line with European standards.

•             Judicial Sector Reforms:
Capacity-building initiatives supported the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council and prosecutorial offices in implementing automated court statistics, a first for Kosovo’s justice system. Recommendations on draft legislation prepared by the Ministry of Justice further reinforced justice reform efforts.

•             Rehabilitation and Reintegration Initiatives:
Training for prison and probation staff, including those in the Ministry of Interior’s reintegration department, enhanced skills to rehabilitate violent and extremist prisoners and address risks of radicalisation.

The “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” (Horizontal Facility III) is a co-operation initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe, running from 2023 to 2026. The programme supports beneficiaries in meeting reform agendas in the fields of human rights, rule of law, and democracy, in line with European standards and EU enlargement priorities.

 Photos from the event

For further information, please contact:
Besnik Baka,  tel. +355692178430 or
Dusan Vojnović, tel. +33 3 90 21 56 99