Prishtina, 9 December 2025 – To mark the International Anti-Corruption Day, Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) hosted a Roundtable Discussion to discuss on how to safeguard the integrity of the public administration in Kosovo through suspension and prohibition of functions of officials accused of corruption, as per the current legal framework. GLPS considers this issue of significant importance for, both, the rule of law and institutional integrity. This discussion was organised as part of the Integrity Week 2025, organized by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and the ACA’s Consultative Forum with Civil Society.

At the opening remarks, the Executive Director of GLPS, Ms. Njomza Arifi, emphasized that the discussion on this matter is highly relevant, considering the direct impact these measures have on preventing the abuse of official position and on strengthening accountability within Kosovo’s public administration.

During the discussion, particular attention was devoted to the current legal and institutional framework that enables the suspension of such officials from their positions until the completion of investigations and judicial proceedings. In addition to suspension, the discussion highlighted the importance of undertaking concrete actions by the respective employing authorities to remove individuals from public service in cases where officials are convicted of criminal offenses related to abuse of official duty and corruption.

The discussion also addressed the effects of suspension measures on the stability and functioning of the public service, as well as their role in increasing citizens’ trust in public institutions. The discussion gathered representatives from public institutions, justice sector, civil society and media.

Panelists:

Mr. Yll Buleshkaj, Director, Anti-Corruption Agency

Mr. Qëndrim Bytyqi, Director of the Department for Public Officials Management, Ministry of Internal Affairs

Mr. Naser Shamolli, Senior Policy Fellow, GLPS

Venue: Hotel Sirius, Str. Agim Ramadani, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo