EU in Kosovo expresses concern over attempts to intimidate and criminalise the work of NGOs

The EU in Kosovo is concerned over the recent media reports attempting to intimidate and criminalise the work of NGOs.

Like the media, NGOs are a key pillar of Kosovo’s civil society, and their role is to monitor, analyse, and hold the authorities accountable, including the Kosovo Police.

In late 2024, NGO Aktiv, in partnership with several other NGOs, released a public report drawing attention to the inappropriate behaviour of some Kosovo Police officers, frequently displaying unauthorised symbols.

Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Kosovo Police acknowledged this issue and created a working group to address it, in partnership with the international community, including the EU.

Any attempts to silence NGOs in pursuing this kind of work are unacceptable as they undermine transparency, erode public trust, and threaten to suppress scrutiny and citizen participation, which are the cornerstones of a functioning democracy.

The EU in Kosovo will continue to support and actively engage with both the media and NGOs, underscoring the importance of high journalistic standards and contributing to further strengthening of the civil society as a whole.