almanac on security sector oversight in the Western Balkans

context, therefore, is a crucial indicator for defining a vision and mission for the entire
security sector in Kosovo.
There is some progress in terms of good governance of the security sector, though this
is still in its infancy. In general, there are internal mechanisms established either within
security institutions or within the respective ministry. While the police inspectorate
has a significant track record of implementation, other internal control mechanisms
have limited practice, notably the newly established security institutions. Neither the
KSF nor KIA have published reports or made an overview of the work of their internal
control mechanisms available to the public.
There is a sufficient level of human rights protection which has been demonstrated in
practice. Both ethnic and gender representation within the security sector are relatively
high. Problems within the Kosovo security sector are evident in financial transparency
and governance. There is insufficient budgetary control of security institutions
and their budgetary transparency is relatively low. So far, no security institution has reported
to the Assembly of Kosovo on contracts exceeding one million Euros, although
the approval of these contracts by the Assembly is required by law.
Horizontal oversight in the Kosovo security sector is mainly functional, including oversight
exercised by external mechanisms such as parliament, independent state institutions,
the judiciary and civil society. The main challenges to external oversight are lack
of established practices within security institutions and through external mechanisms.
The Kosovo Assembly has established the necessary infrastructure to oversee the security
sector. Both security sector parliamentary committees and other committees have
oversight responsibilities. A problem exists, however, in terms of professional capacities.
Hardly any parliamentary committee has sufficient capacities in their field. This
limits efficiency and quality of their work.
Finally, although independent state institutions are established, most face a range
of challenges in exercising oversight. The most basic include limited budgets, limited
personnel, lack of professional capacities, high staff turnover, and limited office space.
Most of these institutions also face more complex challenges arising from political
pressure and interference.
6 . Recommendations
124
6.1. Internal control of the security sector
• Regarding internal control of police, a new law governing the KP should be adopted
as soon as possible. Its provisions should be in harmony with the Law on the
Police Inspectorate of Kosovo.
• The internal control mechanisms of the Kosovo Security Force and the Kosovo Intelligence
Agency should be more transparent. They should publish their reports