EuroPris Written Interview with the Kosovo Correctional Service
On the Collaboration with the Danish Prison and Probation Service to Host Inmates in Gjilan Prison
Across Europe, prison overcrowding remains a persistent challenge faced by many national prison administrations. As member agencies continue to seek sustainable solutions, new forms of international cooperation are emerging.
In this written interview, EuroPris invited Mr Ismail Dibrani, Director General of the Kosovo Correctional Service, to share insights on a recent development: the agreement to host inmates from Denmark at the Gjilan prison facility.
The interview aimed to provide a platform for the Kosovo Correctional Service to highlight how they are preparing for this initiative, the collaborative efforts in place, and how this project fits within their broader goals. As many EuroPris members face similar challenges, this cooperation offers a unique case study in cross-border partnership and capacity building.
Interview:
Background and Context
Can you provide a brief overview of the agreement between the Kosovo Correctional Service and the Danish Ministry of Justice/Danish Prison Service?
The Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo in 2024 ratified the treaty between the Republic of Kosovo and the Kingdom of Denmark on the use of the Correctional Institution in Gjilan for the purpose of executing Danish sentences. This treaty regulates issues related to or arising from the execution of Danish sentences in prison, and determines the necessary conditions for this purpose during the execution of Danish sentences, including issues related to asylum in the Receiving State, the procedure, the rights and obligations of both parties. In addition to the execution of Danish sentences, this cooperation may include in particular, education and training, the exchange of best practices and experiences, the strengthening of the implementation of international standards in correctional services, detention, as well as broader support and cooperation regarding correctional service systems and mechanisms.
What were the key motivations behind Kosovo’s decision to enter into this agreement?
Strong cooperation between Kosovo and Denmark will contribute to the development of the Kosovo Correctional Service, especially in improving conditions for its staff, modernizing prison facilities and sharing good practices regarding the execution of criminal sanctions, promoting the rule of law, democracy and human rights, as well as strengthening continuous development within the Kosovo Correctional Service system through this cooperation.
Preparation and Implementation
How is the Kosovo Correctional Service preparing for the arrival of Danish-sentenced inmates?
The Kosovo Correctional Service will design and initiate the reconstruction of the prison to ensure compliance with Danish requirements. The reconstruction and daily operation of the prison will be based on the strong cooperation between Kosovo and Denmark dating back to 2008. Within the framework of the cooperation agreement, we have started the necessary preparations for the renovation of the prison facility, holding English language courses for staff, sending Correctional Officers for training in the Kingdom of Denmark, etc.
What are the planned steps for renovating and modernising the Gjilan facility, and what role will the Danish authorities play in this process?
Based on the treaty concluded between the two countries, the Kosovo Correctional Service will make the necessary adjustments to the prison facilities to ensure that the prison meets the requirements of the Sending State. In order to carry out the necessary adjustments to the prison facilities, the Kosovo Correctional Service has initiated several procedures, which are in the first phase of completion and according to the plan foreseen in the cooperation agreement. The Danish authorities in this process are obliged to present their requests regarding the renovations that are expected to be carried out by the Kosovo Correctional Service by providing a concrete plan and reaching a mutual agreement for the renovation and modernisation of the Gjilan prison facility.
What are some ways your service is ensuring that the infrastructure and management of the facility will align with the agreed standards?
In this regard, the treaty has provided for the formation of a working group of technical professionals who will oversee the fulfilment of the requirements specified by the sending State regarding the agreed standards that the infrastructure and management of the facility should have. For this purpose, an inspection report on the condition of the prison is drawn up before the sending State begins to use it.
Cooperation and Capacity Building
What kind of collaboration or communication channels have been established between your service and the Danish prison authorities?
The Kosovo Correctional Service and the Danish Prison and Probation Service, based on the bilateral treaty, have established a Joint Steering Committee consisting of three (3) persons from each party. The Joint Steering Committee meets regularly and reports on its work to the Ministers of Justice at least twice (2) times a year.
Have there been any specific training or capacity-building activities planned or implemented for the Kosovo prison staff involved in this project?
The cooperation agreement between the two countries provides a training program for Kosovo Correctional Service personnel working in Gjilan Prison in relation to the relevant rules and regulations of the sending state. Within the framework of the agreement, it is planned to start training for the first group of Correctional Officers in the T4T (Train-the-Trainer) project, which will be conducted by the Danish Prison and Probation Service in Denmark from June 2025 to December 2025. The training will continue as needed.
Challenges and Strategic Impact
What logistical or operational challenges have you encountered in the early stages of this cooperation, and how are you addressing them?
This type of collaboration certainly brings challenges, but it also brings new opportunities for optimism and innovation. Some of the main challenges include systems integration and applicable technology, regulatory compliance, and logistical sustainability. Language and cultural differences between the two countries can lead to misunderstandings, but we overcome these challenges through intensive collaboration. We have put time and effort into the collaboration.
How will this initiative impact your broader strategic goals or long-term planning for the Kosovo Correctional Service?
This initiative will bring investments in the Kosovo correctional system and will include, in particular, education and training, exchange of experiences and best practices, strengthening the implementation of international standards and other mechanisms in the Kosovo Correctional Service.
Monitoring and Broader Relevance
What kind of monitoring or evaluation mechanisms are in place to assess the cooperation?
The Ombudsman Institution from both countries will have full access to the prison throughout its operation. Also, various Danish authorities and several NGOs will closely follow the project and the Governor and his Danish staff will operate the prison together with the Director and his staff.
Are there any aspects of this agreement that you believe could serve as a model for similar international cooperation in the prison sector?
In cases where the legislation and prison practices of two countries are similar, then cooperation at the international level can be a good practice that will help in the further advancement of the correctional systems of the respective countries.
EuroPris would like to thank the Kosovo Correctional Service as well as the Danish Prison and Probation Service for their time to provide insight into this initiative.