The Correctional Unit of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) is mandated to monitor, mentor and advise the Kosovo Correctional Service (KCS) on how to best address the specific needs and guarantee the rights of all prisoners improving their rehabilitation and reintegration, without discrimination or political interference.

As part of this commitment, on 10^th September 2025, the EULEX Head of Mission, Giovanni Pietro Barbano, visited the Pristina Detention Centre and the High Security Prison in Podujevë/Podujeva.

At the Pristina Detention Centre, Barbano met with the Director General of the Kosovo Correctional Service (KCS), Ismail Dibrani, the Acting Director of the Pristina Detention Centre, Salih Ademi, and the Acting Deputy Director General of the KCS, Besar Gashi. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the current state of the centre, as well as the challenges it faces. The Directors expressed their gratitude for EULEX’s continuous support, which has been instrumental in improving prisoners’ conditions.

EULEX Head of Mission reiterated the Mission experts’ engagement in advancing the rule of law in Kosovo though the support to the KCS and underlined that the Mission takes pride in the progress achieved by the Kosovo correctional system, emphasizing that these accomplishments reflect joint efforts in ensuring rehabilitation-oriented services.

During his visit, Barbano toured several units of the detention centre, including the operations center, prisoner assessment and classification unit, and escort unit. The Heads of these Units highlighted how EULEX’s expertise and best practices provided to them have contributed to strengthening their work over the years.

At the High Security Prison, the Head of Mission was joined by the Caretaker Minister of Justice, Blerim Sallahu, and the Acting Director of the Prison, Rasim Selmani. Sallahu expressed its deepest appreciation for EULEX’s longstanding support to the KCS and its contribution to strengthening the rule of law in Kosovo.

The Acting Director provided an overview of the prison’s current situation, ongoing challenges, rehabilitation programmes, available facilities, and future development plans. Barbano also had the opportunity to tour the premises, gaining direct insight into the prison’s operations and the services provided to ensure the wellbeing and proper treatment of all prisoners.