Kosovo and France sign two agreements in the field of international legal cooperation

The Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of France have signed today two important bilateral agreements in the field of international legal cooperation, namely the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and the Agreement on Extradition.

The purpose of the two agreements is to simplify procedures, increase institutional efficiency and harmonize practices in accordance with the best European standards between Kosovo and France.

The Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters provides for the taking of evidence through videoconference, direct communication between judicial authorities, as well as cooperation in the identification, freezing, sequestration and confiscation of proceeds from criminal activities and instrumentalities used to commit criminal offenses.

The Agreement on Extradition is in line with the 1957 European Convention on Extradition and its additional protocols. This agreement establishes the rules and conditions for the extradition of persons wanted for criminal prosecution or for serving a sentence, the procedures to be followed ranging from submission of the request to the surrender of the person, and guarantees respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of every extradited person, in accordance with international standards.

These two agreements will significantly strengthen the Kosovo and France institutions’ capacities to combat organized crime, corruption and other forms of cross-border crime, ensuring no one can evade justice by going abroad.

The agreements will also contribute to strengthening the legal and institutional infrastructure of the Republic of Kosovo, advancing further the justice system and international legal cooperation.