I am an experienced country expert on Albania and other Western Balkan countries, including Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. During 2024 and 2025, I have been engaged by various British solicitors to conduct research and draft country conditions reports on Albania and Kosovo. In doing so, I have drafted over 50 country-expert reports on various immigration cases involving Albanian and Kosovan nationals.
As country expert for the Balkan region, I bring over 25 years of diverse experience in government, academia, international development, media, peacebuilding and political analysis. I have worked extensively across Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia in my roles as Chief Political Advisor to the Prime Minister of Kosovo, journalist and editor at the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, and analyst for Freedom House and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. I have a PhD in political science from the University of Galway, Ireland, a master’s degree in international relations from Instituto Universitario Ortega y Gasset, Madrid, Spain, a postgraduate diploma in Law, Development and Social Justice from the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam, and a bachelor’s degree in Albanian studies from the University of Prishtina, Kosovo. I am fluent in English, Albanian, Serbian, Macedonian and Spanish.
My academic focus on the broader Yugoslav conflicts, my analytical work for the Canadian Government and various international organisations, and my advisory roles in Kosovo’s government required a deep understanding of Albania’s influence and its interconnectedness with other Balkan states. During my work in the Kosovo Government, I have had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with Albanian government officials, including the Prime Minister’s Cabinet and various ministries. In this capacity, I have had the opportunity to visit Albania frequently and get closely acquainted with its political and socio-economic developments and governance. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to visit other Western Balkans countries and meet with the highest-level officials, including the President (Montenegro) and the Prime Minister (North Macedonia), as well as cabinet advisors.
Furthermore, my linguistic and cultural background in Albanian studies and my fluent knowledge of other languages of the Western Balkans have enabled me to approach the region’s dynamics with a nuanced perspective, bridging Kosovo's and Albania's historical and political landscapes. As a civil society activist, journalist and academic, I have closely collaborated with Albanian media and civil society organisations. Moreover, sharing the same native language (Albanian) gives me access to information about Albania's socio-economic and political developments. Throughout my work for the government, media, and civil society, I have developed a thorough understanding of Albania's context, including its transition to a post-communist country and its efforts to reform.
As country expert for the Balkan region, I bring over 25 years of diverse experience in government, academia, international development, media, peacebuilding and political analysis. I have worked extensively across Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia in my roles as Chief Political Advisor to the Prime Minister of Kosovo, journalist and editor at the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, and analyst for Freedom House and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. I have a PhD in political science from the University of Galway, Ireland, a master’s degree in international relations from Instituto Universitario Ortega y Gasset, Madrid, Spain, a postgraduate diploma in Law, Development and Social Justice from the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam, and a bachelor’s degree in Albanian studies from the University of Prishtina, Kosovo. I am fluent in English, Albanian, Serbian, Macedonian and Spanish.
My academic focus on the broader Yugoslav conflicts, my analytical work for the Canadian Government and various international organisations, and my advisory roles in Kosovo’s government required a deep understanding of Albania’s influence and its interconnectedness with other Balkan states. During my work in the Kosovo Government, I have had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with Albanian government officials, including the Prime Minister’s Cabinet and various ministries. In this capacity, I have had the opportunity to visit Albania frequently and get closely acquainted with its political and socio-economic developments and governance. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to visit other Western Balkans countries and meet with the highest-level officials, including the President (Montenegro) and the Prime Minister (North Macedonia), as well as cabinet advisors.
Furthermore, my linguistic and cultural background in Albanian studies and my fluent knowledge of other languages of the Western Balkans have enabled me to approach the region’s dynamics with a nuanced perspective, bridging Kosovo's and Albania's historical and political landscapes. As a civil society activist, journalist and academic, I have closely collaborated with Albanian media and civil society organisations. Moreover, sharing the same native language (Albanian) gives me access to information about Albania's socio-economic and political developments. Throughout my work for the government, media, and civil society, I have developed a thorough understanding of Albania's context, including its transition to a post-communist country and its efforts to reform.
I am an experienced country expert on Albania and other Western Balkan countries, including Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. During 2024 and 2025, I have been engaged by various British solicitors to conduct research and draft country conditions reports on Albania and Kosovo. In doing so, I have drafted over 50 country-expert reports on various immigration cases involving Albanian and Kosovan nationals. The topics of these country reports ranged from socio-economic, political, cultural, gender relations, security, governance and corruption.
Journal Articles and Book Chapters:
Qirezi, A. (2026) Teoria konsosacionale: transferueshmëria e pushtet-ndarjes në kontekste të
ndryshme politike e shoqërore. Studime shoqërore, 12. Akademia e shkencave dhe e arteve të Kosovës. https://ashak.org/revista-shkencore/studime-shoqerore/
Beka, R. and Qirezi A. (2024) The Impact of Minority Veto in Consociational Democracies:
Lessons from Kosovo 2008-2022. International Journal of Parliamentary Studies, V. 4.
doi:10.1163/26668912-bja10079
Qirezi, A. (2021) The Relationship between Power-dividing and Power-sharing Institutions in Kosovo: The Correlation of Constitutional Review and Minority Veto. In Hajrullahu, A. and Vukpalaj, A. (eds,) Forging Kosovo: Between Dependence, Independence, and Interdependence. Bern: Peter Lang Publishers. https://www.peterlang.com/document/1059409
Qirezi, A. (2016) Settling Self-determination dispute: A historical perspective. In Mehmeti, L. and Radeljic, B. (eds.) Kosovo and Serbia: Contested Options and Shared Consequences. Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh University Press. https://upittpress.org/books/9780822944690/
Qirezi, A. (2005) Addendum on Kosovo. In Goehring, A. and Schnetzer, A. (eds.) Nations in Transit 2004: Democratization in East Central Europe and Eurasia. New York: Freedom House and Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780742550858/Nations-in-Transit-2005-Democratization-from-Central-Europe-to-Eurasia
Qirezi, A. (2004) Addendum on Kosovo. In Motyl, A. and Schnetzer, A.(eds.). Nations in Transit 2003: Democratization in East Central Europe and Eurasia. New York: Freedom House and Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780742536470/Nations-in-Transit-2004-Democratization-in-East-Central-Europe-and-Eurasia
Qirezi, A. (2004) Transformation of Al-Qaeda’s Strategy in Light of the New Global War on Terrorism. The brave New World of Global Security. Turkish Policy Quarterly. 3/2. p. 97-204. Istanbul: ARI Movement in association with NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division. http://turkishpolicy.com/article/102/transformation-of-al-qaedas-strategy-in-light-of-the-new-global-war-on-terrorism-summer-2004-
Political and Policy Analysis:
Qirezi, A. (2018) Enduring the Pressure: Kosovo Media Reporting on Organised Crime and Corruption. Part of the regional research on media reporting on organized crime and corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia. Project “Exercising the Freedom of Expression and Openness of State Institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia”. Sarajevo: Balkan Investigative Reporting Network. https://s3a7t5a8.rocketcdn.me/ëp-content/uploads/2018/01/kosovo-country-report-eng.pdf
Qirezi, A. (2017) Defining Kosovo Party System-Kosovo Political Party Context Analysis Phase I. Project on Political Party Reform in Kosovo. Prishtina: Westminster Foundation for Democracy. Unpublished Study.
Qirezi, A. (2017) Internal Party Democracy in Kosovo-Kosovo Political Party Context Analysis Phase II. Project on Political Party Reform in Kosovo, Prishtina: Westminster Foundation for Democracy. Unpublished Study.
Qirezi, A. (2017) Preventing Violent Extremism in Kosovo. Public Pulse Analysis. Prishtina: United Nations Development Programme. https://www.ks.undp.org/content/kosovo/en/home/librar y/democratic_governance/public-pulse-analysis-on-prevention-of-violent-extremism-in-koso.html
Qirezi, A. (2014) Political Effects of Electoral Systems: A Simulation with the Case of Kosovo. Hajrullahu A. (ed). Center for Political Courage Paper Series. Prishtina: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Center for Political Courage. http://www.cpc-ks.org/ëp-content/uploads/2017/05/CPC_Paper1_Political_Effects_of_Electoral_Systems_Simulation_ëith_the_Case_of_Kosovo_462772-1.pdf
Qirezi, A. (2004) Implementation of Laws in Kosovo: Challenges and Opportunities: Study and Recommendations. Prishtina: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.
Qirezi, A. (2003) Final Election Observation Report for the Municipal Elections in Kosovo. Prishtina: Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedoms and National Democratic Institute, USA.
Qirezi, A. (2002) Final Election Observation Report for the Kosovo Assembly Elections. Prishtina: Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms and National Democratic Institute, USA.
Over 200 political analyses were written for the London-based Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), Sarajevo-based Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), and Prishtina-based outlets Koha and Zeri. Below is the list of analyses published at IWPR and BIRN.
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo: Court Overturns Haekkerup Decision. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 308. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo Power Vacuum. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 310. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo: More Trouble for Rugova. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 322. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) New Questions Raised Over Kosovo’s Future. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 325. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo: Serbs Urged to Defy Belgrade. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 329. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo: New Crime Crackdown. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 349. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo: Media Watchdog Bites Back. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 349. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo: KFOR Crackdown on Albanian Rebels. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 358. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo: UN Facing Backlash. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 361. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo: Election Candidates Dodge Big Issue. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 376. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo: Election Marred by Political Killing. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 378. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2002) Kosovo: Senior KLA Men Jailed. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 392. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2003) Kosovo in the Geopolitical Complexity of South-eastern Europe. Karavan Quarterly. Prishtinë-Shkup (Skopje, Macedonia)
Qirezi, A. (2003) Kosovo: LDK Takes Stand on Violence. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 400. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2003) Kosovo Talks Stall After Djindjic Murder. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 417. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2003) Kosovo: Mixed Feelings at Steiner Exit. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 435. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2003) Kosovo: KLA Trial Backlash. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 449. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2004) Kosovo Media Boss Launches Election Bid. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 507. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2004) Old Foes Unite to Form New Kosovo Government. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 528. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2005) UN Chief Acts to Unite Kosovars Before Key Talks. Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Balkan Crisis Report, Issue 559. London, UK
Qirezi, A. (2006) Comment: A Man with the Power to Unite. Balkan Investigative Reporting Netëork, and Institute for War and Peace Reporting Initiative. London, UK.
Qirezi, A. (2016) Opposition Collapse Relieves Pressure on Kosovo PM. Balkan Insight. May 12, 2016.
Qirezi, A. (2016) Veseli Gets Chance to Reshape Kosovo Ruling Party. Balkan Insight. May 20, 2016
Qirezi, A. (2016) Bus Battle Sets Stage for War for Kosovo Capital. Balkan Insight. May 27, 2016
Mejdini, F. and Qirezi, A. (2016) Albanians Await Real Results from Joint Meetings. Balkan Insight, June 1, 2016
Qirezi, A. (2016) Kosovo Justice System Takes Over EULEX’s Poëers. Balkan Insight. June 27, 2016
Qirezi, A. (2016) Kosovo Leaders Fight Losing Battle Over Border Deal. Balkan Insight. July 18, 2016
Qirezi, A. (2016) Kosovo’s Privatisation Process Obstructed by Serbia. Balkan Insight. October 17, 2016
Qirezi, A. (2016) New War Court Could Disrupt Kosovo’s Politics. Balkan Insight. November 2, 2016
Qirezi, A. (2016) Kosovo and Serbia Tussle Over Yugoslav Assets. Balkan Insight. November 7, 2016
Qirezi, A. (2016) Kosovo, Serbia: Brezovica Case Conundrum. Balkan Insight, November 11, 2016
Qirezi, A. (2016) Battle Over Trepca Strains Kosovo-Serbia Relations. Balkan Insight. November 28, 2016
Qirezi, A. (2017) Mattis Speech Reheats Debate Over Kosovo Army. Balkan Insight. February 3, 2017
Qirezi, A. (2017) Who is Who in the Kosovo Elections. Balkan Insight. May 24, 2017
Qirezi, A. (2017) Cracks Widen in LDK Ahead of Kosovo Election. Balkan Insight. May 27, 2017
Qirezi, A. (2017) Kadri Veseli, Kosovo Powerbroker who Shuns the Spotlight. Balkan Insight. June 2, 2017
Qirezi, A. (2017) Political Ambition Trumps Party Rivalries in Kosovo. Balkan Insight. June 9, 2017
Qirezi, A. (2017) Hashim Thaci, Guerrilla Chief who Became President. Balkan Insight. June 20, 2017
Qirezi, A. (2017) Elections Fail to Cure Kosovo’s Political Maladies. Balkan Insight. July 11, 2017
Qirezi, A. (2017) Clock Starts Ticking for Kosovo’s Next Government. Balkan Insight. August 3, 2017
Qirezi, A. (2017) Vetevendosje Set to Dominate Kosovo’s Future Political Scene. Balkan Insight. August 29, 2017
Qirezi, A. (2018) Paradoxical Compromise Ends Kosovo-Montenegro Border Deadlock. Balkan Insight. February 28, 2018
Qirezi, A. (2018) Serbian List’s Threats Could Rebound on Kosovo Serbs. Balkan Insight. March 29, 2018
Qirezi, A. (2018) Deadlocked Kosovo Inches Towards Another Snap Election. Balkan Insight. April 13, 2018
2. Serbian, Bosnian, Montenegrin and Croatian – fluent
3. English – fluent
4. Macedonian – fluent
5. Spanish - fluent
Serbs in Serbia, Kosovo, Montengro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia
Bosniaks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo
Montenegrins in Montenegro
Rruga Brukseli 43
10000 Prishtina
Kosovo