Judicial institutions in Kosovo have taken important steps to strengthen the handling of serious organized crime and corruption cases, but reforms have yet to translate into consistent courtroom practice, according to the OSCE's second Regional Trial Monitoring Report, published today.
The report, part of a wider OSCE trial monitoring programme in the region funded by the EU, examines developments across six Western Balkan jurisdictions since 2024 when last recommendations were issued. It assesses progress in their implementation and identifies practical priorities for fairer, more efficient and effective criminal justice system.
Drawing on courtroom monitoring, analysis of judicial decisions and consultations with judicial institutions, it finds stronger institutional ownership of reforms, including strategic planning, expanded digital tools, specialized training and measures to promote more consistent judicial practice.
Improved publication of judicial decisions is one example of progress. During the reporting period, 36 of 41 monitored judgments were published online, including all 20 monitored Court of Appeals judgments. Institutions have also taken steps to strengthen interpretation and translation services and improve communication with the public.
Nevertheless, implementation remains uneven. The report identifies continuing challenges related to lengthy proceedings, particularly at the appellate level; consistency in indictment drafting and judicial reasoning; access to interpretation and translated case materials; and the use of financial investigations, confiscation and accessory punishments.
"The report recognises the progress made by justice institutions and their follow up to our recommendations. The next step is to build on this progress so that reforms consistently improve how complex cases are prepared, managed and decided," said Kahramon Sanginov, Project Manager for the Kosovo component.
Its recommendations call for clearer institutional responsibilities, stronger follow-up and sustained investment in specialised expertise and operational resources. The emphasis is on ensuring that strategies, guidance and digital tools produce measurable improvements in everyday case handling, while safeguarding fair trial rights and judicial independence.
The findings and recommendations will be discussed at the Regional Judicial Forum in Budva, Montenegro, on 26-27 October 2026. The Forum will bring together senior judicial and prosecutorial representatives from all project jurisdictions to exchange practical experience on turning justice reforms into sustained institutional practice.
