The Expert is a forensic document examiner (FDE) for official documents from Balkan countries (Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia,, Montenegro and Macedonia) and has worked extensively with notaries and courts in the region. He has collaborated with various organizations such as USAID, UNDP, GIZ, and others, indicating a strong background in project management, capacity-building, and support for local governance and reforms in post-conflict and developing areas.
Occupation: The expert has extensive experience in quality and strategic
management, public policy, stakeholder communication,
research, capacity building, workshop design and delivery,
project cycle management, log frame and train the trainer -
training; Experience in national and international consultancy
and training assignments; research, public policy
development, event organization; Comprehensive expertise
in migration, return, re-integration (IOM, UNHCR) and
humanitarian assistance (Red Cross, WFP, NATO).
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
Dimitris Dalakoglou is a Full Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He is one of the top cited authors on Balkan studies and Eastern European studies. His research focuses on Albania and Greece and he has authored over a hundred publications including expert reports, book monographs, peer-reviewed articles, and documentary films. His research has been featured in several international media including the Guardian, Channel 4, Washington Times. He is a COI expert for Albania and Greece since 2014 in the Right to Exile Programme and has provided expertise reports since 2008.
Occupation: Professor
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
The Expert has a diverse background in roles such as project management, program development, and research in international affairs. The expert’s current position as a Project Manager and Researcher reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact on regional and global development efforts with the specialism in Balkan affairs.
Occupation: The Expert is a former Project Manager for Western Balkans - Holds a Master Degree in International Relations and World Politics at the University of Pavia-Italy.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Czech Republic, India, Kosovo, Montenegro, Myanmar, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Serbia
Balkans Region Expert with twenty (20) years of experience in conflict, post-conflict and development context in Serbia and Kosovo. Highly experienced in the field of human rights, rule of law, democratization, empowering minorities, youth and women, gender based violence, and international humanitarian law
Occupation: The expert holds a PhD in Security from University “St. Kliment Ohridski” Bitola, Faculty of Security - Skopje, North Macedonia. Dissertation title “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the national security of the Republic of Serbia with comparative analysis of neighboring countries”
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
International Lawyer (UK-based) and political scientist with comprehensive experience in research and Country of Origin reports. Research experience in international public law, international private law, terrorism, international human rights law, international relations, immigration law, OISC Accredited (2005-2012). Expertise in blood feuds, honour killing, human trafficking, modern slavery, forced labour, domestic violence, narcotics mafia, human and political rights abuse, opposition and political persecution, risk of return and brutal and degrading treatment and torture. Over two decades of experience working with migrants in the UK. Written over 250 expert reports for Immigration Tribunals, Extradition Courts and Criminal Courts (Crown Courts). Appeared as a witness expert in immigration tribunals, extradition, and criminal courts. Member of the Academy of Experts since 2020. Awarded by Acquisition International ‘Best Southeast Europe Country of Origin Reports Specialist 2024’
Occupation: International Lawyer with two decades of working experience with migrants in the UK. Over 250 expert reports were submitted.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Serbia (Presevo Valley)
Intercultural and psychoanalytic psychotherapist, specialising in issues relevant to various Muslim countries, incl vendettas, honour killing, domestic violence, PTSD, Rape Trauma Syndrome, assault in detention and traumas of migration and exile.
Occupation: Intercultural and psychoanalytic psychotherapist. Formerly taught English to speakers of other languages. Also worked for the Refugee Council, Goldsmiths’ College, and Nafsiyat Inter cultural Therapy Centre.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Iran, Iraq, Turkey
The Expert is a former Independent Contractor (political and media monitor/screener and translator) for the US Embassy in London. The Expert has held various roles in education and political monitoring, including serving as a Lecturer at the European College Dardania in Kosovo and working as an Independent Contractor for the US Embassy in London, showcasing his diverse professional experience in the field.
Occupation: The Expert is a Lecturer at the University for Business and Technology, Prishtina. The Expert holds a Ph.D. in European studies for integration (europeistics). PhD University of “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Faculty of Philosophy, European studies for integration - Skopje, Macedonia.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
The Chief Political Adviser to the Former Prime Minister of Kosovo, Professor Qirezi has contributed to various international projects, such as the Human Security in the Balkans initiative, funded by the European Union, showcasing their commitment to regional stability and development. Their research interests extend to power-sharing systems and the dynamics of post-conflict reconstruction, with published works in reputable academic presses. The expert has also engaged in public policy training for organizations like the National Democratic Institute and the OSCE, emphasizing their dedication to enhancing democratic governance. Additionally, they have experience in media, having worked as a columnist and journalist, which complements their analytical skills in political communication. Their extensive involvement in both academia and practical governance positions them as a well-rounded authority in political science and international relations.
Occupation: The expert holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Galway, with a focus on post-war Kosovo, and has extensive academic experience as an Assistant Professor and Senior Lecturer at various institutions in Kosovo, teaching courses in political theory, comparative politics, and public administration. Their professional background includes significant roles in government, such as Chief Political Adviser to the Prime Minister of Kosovo, where they managed policy coordination with international stakeholders and contributed to Kosovo's final status negotiations. Additionally, they have served as a researcher and political analyst for numerous organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, focusing on issues such as violent extremism, electoral systems, and democratic governance. Their work has been published in various academic and policy-oriented platforms, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in political science and international relations.
Countries of expertise: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
Occupation: University Lecturer/Professor
Countries of expertise: Albania, Kosovo