Today, the Public International Business College Mitrovica (IBCM) hosted a Certificate Award Ceremony for Kosovo Police officers who successfully completed language training courses as part of the project “Support to Kosovo Police to Improve Communication with the Local Population in Northern Kosovo – Phase II,” supported by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and implemented by Knowledge Transfer Innovation Centre (KTIC) which is an integral part of IBCM. The Certificate Award Ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Mihone Kerolli Mustafa (Rector of IBCM), Mr. Giovanni Pietro Barbano (Head of EULEX Mission), and Mr. Veton Elshani (Deputy/Acting Director of the Regional Police Directorate Mitrovica North).
As part of the initiative, Kosovo Police officers completed intensive language training, from elementary to advanced levels, in Albanian, Serbian, and English. In total, 41 officers participated in the first round and 19 in the second. The training aimed to improve communication and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the multiethnic communities of northern Kosovo.
Opening the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Mihone Kerolli Mustafa, Rector of IBCM, highlighted the importance of this partnership:
“At IBCM, we operate in English, but our students and staff come from various communities, and they bring with them different ways of communicating, learning, and connecting. That’s why we support projects like this, because language helps bring people together and build understanding.”
Mr. Giovanni Pietro Barbano, Head of EULEX Mission, emphasized the deeper value of the training:
“Language is more than communication, it’s a bridge to understanding. By investing in these skills, the Kosovo Police demonstrate their commitment to serving all communities with respect, and professionalism.”
Mr. Veton Elshani, Deputy/Acting Director of the Regional Police Directorate Mitrovica North, underlined the operational impact of the initiative:
” Supporting Kosovo Police officers in learning the languages of the communities they serve is a meaningful step toward building trust and ensuring inclusive public service.”
The ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates to all participating officers. This achievement marks not only their individual progress but also a collective effort toward building a more inclusive, responsive, and community-oriented police service.
