Following a failed attempt to pass a draft law on renting a prison in Kosovo to Denmark last week, the Kosovo Cabinet has renewed its efforts with a new draft law. The new draft law focuses on renting 300 cells at a prison in Gjilan to Denmark, in an effort to help the country deal with its overpopulated prison system. The agreement between the two governments was signed in April and May 2022, and the Cabinet has once again approved the draft law for submission to the parliament for a vote.
The initial draft law failed to pass as it did not receive the required two-thirds majority of 80 votes in the 120-seat parliament. The renewed efforts aim to secure the necessary support for the draft law, which would allow Kosovo to receive 200 million euros ($217 million) from Denmark. This funding is intended to be utilized for the improvement of Kosovo’s correctional institutions and renewable energy projects. The agreement also stipulates that Denmark will not be able to send inmates convicted of terrorism or war crimes, as well as mentally ill prisoners to the rented facility.
In addition to the financial benefits, the agreement with Denmark also includes the presence of a Danish warden to oversee the 300-cell facility, along with an Albanian warden and local staff. This strategic partnership aims to address the overcrowding issues within Kosovo’s prison system, which currently has a capacity of up to 2,800 inmates. While the exact number of vacancies in the system is unclear, the rental agreement with Denmark is seen as a practical solution to alleviate the strain on Kosovo’s correctional facilities.
Meanwhile, neighboring Albania has also entered into an agreement with Italy to hold thousands of asylum-seekers. This collaboration reflects a regional effort to address various challenges, including prison overcrowding and migration issues. By collaborating with international partners like Denmark and Italy, Kosovo and Albania are working towards finding sustainable solutions to complex issues affecting their respective countries.
The approval of the draft law by the Kosovo Cabinet underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges within its prison system. The partnership with Denmark not only provides financial support but also brings in expertise and resources to improve the conditions of correctional facilities in Kosovo. Moving forward, the collaboration between Kosovo and Denmark is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s justice system and contribute to broader regional efforts to address common challenges.
