Kosovo police deepen cooperation with Albania as government centralizes municipal recruitment

Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita made an official visit to the Kosovo Police, reaffirming the close partnership between the two forces. Hita said, “Crime today is more organized, sophisticated and border‑less… our response must be faster, more coordinated and stronger,” and pledged to further deepen joint operations to safeguard citizens.

At the same time, Kosovo’s Association of Municipalities warned that a new regulation is shifting most hiring powers for local officials to the central government. Sazan Ibrahimi said, “The government is taking competencies away from the municipalities,” noting that recruitment of public officers, including market inspectors, will be conducted through digital systems managed by the central level. The association argues this undermines local autonomy as required by the constitution.

Both developments reflect a trend of increased central coordination in Kosovo’s security and administrative sectors, involving cooperation with neighboring Albania on policing while consolidating control over municipal staffing.