On 12 June 2025, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (“KSC”) and the Kingdom of Belgium formalized an Agreement on the Enforcement of Sentences.
The agreement was signed by the KSC Registrar Dr. Fidelma Donlon and Mr Gérard Dive, Head of the Central Authority for Cooperation with International Criminal Courts, at Belgium’s Ministry of Justice in Brussels. Under this arrangement, individuals convicted by the KSC may serve their prison sentences in Belgium, subject to the designation of the KSC and Belgium’s approval.
President Ekaterina Trendafilova highlighted that the enforcement of sentences is essential to a comprehensive and effective system of international criminal justice. She expressed appreciation for Belgium’s continued support of the KSC, stating: “By signing this agreement, the Kingdom of Belgium reaffirms its strong commitment to international criminal justice and the ability of the KSC to carry out its mandate.” She also encouraged other States to follow Belgium’s lead in strengthening the enforcement framework of the KSC by entering into similar agreements.
The Head of the Central Authority of Belgium stated that: “We do want the conclusion of this agreement to indicate the support of Belgium to the KSC and international justice as a whole. By entering into this agreement, Belgium demonstrates its unwavering commitment to a comprehensive functioning of the KSC as agreed between the EU and Kosovo.”
The 2014 Exchange of Letters between the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the President of Kosovo as well as Article 162 of the Kosovo Constitution provide that final sentences should be served outside Kosovo.