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Kosovo acknowledges that Belgium has expressed interest in using its prisons

2025-10-22 10:34:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Belgium has expressed interest in taking over the use of correctional institutions in Kosovo. The Kosovo Correctional Service announced the news to REL.

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

In a written response to REL, the KCS said that, following Kosovo's agreement with Denmark for the use of Gjilan Prison to house Danish prisoners, several other countries, including Belgium, have expressed interest in various forms in taking over Kosovo's correctional institutions.

However, this institution has not clarified in what form this interest was expressed, emphasizing that it has not received any official letter regarding this issue.

The KCS also emphasized that it does not have the authority to handle requests at the international level related to the provision of use of correctional institutions.

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

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

None of these institutions responded to REL's question at the time about whether such a request had been made by Belgian officials. In fact, no official media releases from these institutions mentioned that the construction or rental of a prison had been discussed during the meetings.

Human rights organizations in Kosovo have criticized the possible achievement of such an agreement.

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

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

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

Recently, it agreed to take in 50 migrants from third countries who were staying in the US.

In a similar agreement that also sparked criticism, in 2022, Kosovo and Denmark agreed to lease 300 prison cells at the Correctional Institution in Gjilan to house foreign prisoners who are expected to be deported from Denmark after completing their sentences.

In return, Kosovo will benefit from over 200 million euros, which will be invested in the Correctional Service and renewable energy projects.

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