From 1 to 4 June 2026, a joint delegation of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) and the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA), supported by SHER completed an important and successfully official visit to Brussels, to strengthen cooperation with European institutions in the field of higher education quality assurance. This visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to align Kosovo’s higher education system with European and international quality assurance standards.

The delegation consisted of Mr. Përparim Kryeziu, Deputy Minister of MES; Ms. Klodeta Krasniqi, Chief of Staff of MES; Prof. Hasnije Ilazi, President of the Board of the KAA; Mr. Naim Gashi, Director General of KAA; Prof. Maja Martinovic, Member of the KAA Board; Prof. Mirlinda Batalli, Member of the KAA Board; Ms. Shkurtë Bajgora, Student Member of the KAA Board; Mr. Aqim Emurli, SHER Team Leader; and Mr. Douglas Blackstock, International Expert of SHER.

The delegation held high-level meetings with representatives of the ENQA, EQAR, VLUHR-QA, AEQES, EURASHE, EUA-IEP and ESU. Discussions focused on Kosovo’s progress in reforming its quality assurance system, strengthening professional capacities, and ensuring full alignment with ESGs. These conversations are vital for ensuring that Kosovo’s HEIs continue to grow in excellence and competitiveness on the international stage.

Building on these exchanges, the KAA reaffirmed its commitment to continues improvement by implementing recommendation from the ENQA review and the EQAR, preparing for the revised European Standards and Guidelines in 2027, and drawing lessons from the practices and priorities of European partners. At the same time, the Agency is considering how it can contribute more actively to the quality assurance community within the EHEA.

Throughout this process, SHER has provided guidance, resources, and a platform for cooperation, ensuring that the KAA continues to meet European benchmarks while contributing to the broader mission of fostering trust, integrity, and innovation in higher education.