From 29 to 30 September 2026, the CyberSEE joint project of the European Union and the Council of Europe alongside the CYBERKOP Action of the Octopus Project, supported the Ministry of Justice of Kosovo in the organisation of a two-day workshop in Pristina to support the promotion and implementation of the Second Additional Protocol (2AP) to the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) and to assess the domestic legislative framework.
The event brought together high-level representatives and practitioners from relevant criminal justice institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, the Academy of Justice, the prosecution and judiciary, as well as the Cybersecurity Agency, alongside representatives of the European Union Delegation to Kosovo and the Council of Europe.
Ms Dhurata Gutaj, Senior Adviser / Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, emphasised that broad participation is essential to enhance the legislative process for the possible future implementation and ratification of the 2AP.
The first day addressed the main provisions and practical mechanisms of the 2AP, including enhanced co-operation with service providers, access to subscriber information and traffic data, and emergency co-operation. The participants also examined the measures required to align domestic legislation with the Protocol and drafted a roadmap for further legal reform.
The second day was dedicated to reviewing the progress made through the CyberSEE project in strengthening the legislative framework, enhancing the capacities of criminal justice authorities, and promoting co-operation with the private sector and international partners.
This approach enabled participants to take stock of achievements, identify remaining legislative gaps and define priorities for further support. The assessment also established a baseline for future European Union–Council of Europe programming from 2027 onwards.
The Council of Europe reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the alignment of the domestic legislation with the Second Additional Protocol and strengthening their capacities to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate cybercrime in line with international standards.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
CYBERKOP Action of the Octopus Project
Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)