Obstacles to Kosovo’s Membership in International Security Organizations

PRISHTINA – A new report focused on the position of Kosovo in international security organizations was published by the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS).

@KCSSQKSS / Photo: Interpol

The aim of this report is to understand the factors that can facilitate or hinder Kosovo’s efforts to obtain membership in regional and international security organizations, with emphasis on INTERPOL. The report warns that Kosovo’s institutions lack political determination and lobbying power in tackling this issue.

First, the report emphasizes the importance of Kosovo’s participation in regional and European security initiatives, especially in light of transnational crime. It also examines the position of Kosovo in relevant security organizations and its bilateral cooperation with countries such as Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The report further compares the positive and negative effects of the implementation of the Brussels Agreement between Kosovo and Serbia on Regional Representation and Cooperation.

The second part of the report looks at the prospects of Kosovo becoming a member of INTERPOL. It is argued that the current cooperation with INTERPOL through UNMIK is not a satisfactory long-term solution. The report offers an overview of internal and external political obstacles facing Kosovo on its path towards INTERPOL membership, and lists the factors that are likely to positively influence that process.

The report concludes by pointing out that the regional and international community should support Kosovo in its efforts to become a member of security organizations such as INTERPOL. In order to advocate for this, the report maps out two scenarios that could lead to Kosovo becoming a member of INTERPOL. It also offers a set of concrete recommendations for improving Kosovo’s likelihood to acquire membership in international security organizations.

The authors of this policy report entitled “The Gordian Knot: Kosovo’s obstacles towards membership into international security organizations – INTERPOL case” are Leonora Aliu and Plator Avdiu from the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS). The report is available for download here.