Kosovo fires 20 ethnic Serb officials over 'ghost worker' absences

Kosovo has sacked 20 ethnic Serb officials from its environment ministry for failing to show up to work.

Acting Minister Fitore Pacolli said the decision follows a watchdog report into staff who have skipped work for years while drawing state salaries.

The officials were hired in 2016 under an EU-backed deal to integrate members of a Serb minority group, known as "Civil Protection," into Kosovo’s government.

A national audit revealed that Kosovo paid nearly €470,000 in 2025 to 61 integrated workers without any proof of attendance, calling the spending unjustified.

Tensions surrounding the group remain high. Pristina officially designated "Civil Protection" a terrorist organization in 2023, banning all its activities.