Kosovo acknowledges Belgium has expressed interest in exploiting its prisons

In recent weeks Kosovo has been controversial in Belgium's plans for prisons, as the European Union country is considering the possibility of building or renting a prison abroad.

In a written response to the REL, the USKK said that, following Kosovo's agreement with Denmark for the provision of Gjilan Prison to house Danish prisoners, “several other states, including Belgium, have in various forms expressed concern for the use of Kosovo corrective institutions”.

However, this institution has not clarified in what form this interest has been expressed, stressing that “has not accepted any official paperwork regarding the issue”.

The SKK also underlined that there is no competence for addressing the requirements at the international level related to providing in the use of corrective institutions.

Two Belgian officials visited Kosovo in early October, adding speculation about the possibility of discussing a prison agreement.

Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden, and Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt stayed in Kosovo on 6 October, where they met with President Vjosa Osmani and with Justice Minister Blerim Saqu.

Every Thursday, the most important developments we try to break down and bring as simple as possible, February and Albanian. Subscribe here for free to take the first in your email every number of our journal.

None of these institutions had responded. REL then asked whether such a request was made by Belgian officials. Even in official media reports from these institutions, it was not mentioned that construction or rent of any prison had been discussed during the meetings.

But the REL had learned that the issue was briefly mentioned by Belgian officials, “without any detailed discussion by the Kosovo side”.

Organisations for human rights protection in Kosovo have criticised the possible achievement of such an agreement.

According to the Council for Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms (KMDLNJ), Belgium's controversial plan to send prisoners to Kosovo poses a threat to security and human rights violations.

In recent years Kosovo has expressed readiness to house either foreign prisoners, immigrants from third countries, or even asylum seekers rejected, despite criticism.

On Tuesday, incumbent Prime Minister Albin Kurti said in London that Kosovo is ready to house asylum seekers rejected by the United Kingdom in exchange for support in the field of security.

Recently, it agreed to accommodate 50 immigrants from third states remaining in the United States.

In a similar agreement that had also sparked criticism, in 2022, Kosovo and Denmark agreed to rent 300 prison cells at the Corresponding Institution in Gjilan to house foreign prisoners expected to be expelled from Denmark after the sentence ended.

In exchange, Kosovo will benefit over 200m euros, which will be invested in the Correcting Service and renewable energy projects.

The first prisoners from Denmark are expected to be transferred to the prison in Gjilan in the first part of 2027.