Kosovar Center for Security Studies

EU Legislative Interests

KCSS engages with EU policies and legislative frameworks in the following areas: EU Enlargement Policy and Kosovo-EU relations: The EU's Western Balkans enlargement agenda, including the revised enlargement methodology, the EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), and the EU's engagement in the Belgrade-Pristina normalization dialogue. KCSS produces research and advocacy aimed at informing the EU's approach to conditionality, democratic governance, and rule of law benchmarks in Kosovo and the Western Balkans. Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): EU policies related to security sector reform, democratic oversight of security institutions, and the work of EULEX Kosovo and other EU missions in the region. Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE): EU policies and action plans addressing radicalization, terrorism, and foreign fighter flows, including the EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda and the EU Agenda on Security. Cybersecurity and Digital Policy: EU legislative instruments including the Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2), the EU Cybersecurity Act, and the EU Foreign Direct Investment Screening Regulation, with a focus on alignment and implementation in Kosovo and the Western Balkans. Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights: EU frameworks related to judicial independence, anti-corruption, and the protection of minority rights, as applied through enlargement conditionality and EU-funded programmes in Kosovo. Gender and Security: The EU's Gender Action Plan (GAP III) and Women, Peace and Security agenda as relevant to security sector reform in Kosovo.

Communication Activities

KCSS communicates its research findings and policy recommendations to EU institutions, member state representatives, and civil society partners through the following activities: Publications: Policy briefs, research reports, and analyses addressing EU enlargement, security sector reform, P/CVE, cybersecurity, and rule of law in Kosovo and the Western Balkans, distributed to EU institutions, national parliaments, and international partners. Kosovo Security Barometer (KSB): An annual public opinion survey on security perceptions, institutional trust, and attitudes toward EU integration in Kosovo, widely referenced by EU institutions and missions operating in the region. Conferences and roundtables: High-level policy events in Prishtina and Brussels bringing together EU officials, member state representatives, regional governments, and civil society to discuss security sector reform, enlargement conditionality, and normalization-related issues. Capacity-building and training: Workshops for public officials, civil society organizations, youth, and media on EU integration, cybersecurity awareness, foreign investment screening, and democratic oversight of security institutions. Advocacy and direct policy advice: Structured engagement with EU institutions, EULEX, the EUSR for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, and DG NEAR on issues of security sector governance, rule of law, and the societal dimensions of Kosovo's EU accession process. Peacebuilding and community dialogue: Initiatives fostering interethnic relations and confidence-building in Kosovo, contributing to the societal dimension of EU-facilitated normalization efforts.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

The Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) is a member of, and collaborates with, several international networks and research consortia relevant to its areas of work: European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) – KCSS has been a member since 2011. EPLO is a Brussels‑based network of civil society organisations working on peacebuilding and security policy at EU level. [epthinktank.eu] RESOLVE Network (Researching Solutions to Violent Extremism) – Since 2015 KCSS is a member of this global research network led by the United States Institute of Peace, focusing on research and policy solutions related to violent extremism and radicalisation. Western Balkans Security Research Platform – KCSS participates in this regional network addressing security governance, rule of law, and regional cooperation across the Western Balkans. Civil Society Digital Surveillance Network (CSDSN) – KCSS is part of this network, which focuses on issues related to digital surveillance, cybersecurity governance, and the protection of fundamental rights in the digital domain. IGNITA Initiative – KCSS contributes to the IGNITA initiative, a regional platform supporting policy dialogue, research, and cooperation on governance, rule of law, and EU integration in the Western Balkans. EU‑funded research consortia (Horizon Europe, CERV, ERASMUS+). In addition, KCSS regularly cooperates with a wide range of international organisations, foundations, and research institutions through joint initiatives, policy dialogues, and project‑based partnerships. More information is available on the organisation’s website: https://qkss.org/en/

Organisation Members

While KCSS is registered as NGO, its goal has been to serve as non-governmental research focused organization. KCSS does not have a membership roser nor operate through affilated entities.