Giovanni Pietro Barbano takes over as new chief EULEX

EULEX's announcement reportedly has more than 40 years of experience in law and order, police activities, and peace operations.

Barbano succeeds Swedish diplomat Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, who finished his post as Mission Chief on 25 June.

I feel a great responsibility while I take office today as Chief of EULEX, a strategic partner of Kosovo in the field of rule of law and security. Being fully aware of the vital mandate of the Mission, I will work with integrity and professionalism to continue the motto of the mission's strategy for justice, to positively influence the field, and to advance our common goals for rule of law in Kosovo”, Barbano said.

He has indicated that EULEX will continue to monitor closely selected cases at the police level.

“EULEX will continue to monitor closely the selected cases at the police, prosecutorial and judicial level, and at the correct level, to assess how those cases are handled by Kosovo authorities. Among other things, monitoring will focus on respect for human rights, guarantees for fair judgments, as well as equal treatment for all, including members of non-most communities in Kosovo. ”

I feel honored by the faith the member states have given me, and I look forward to continuing the legacy of my predecessor, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark,”, Barbano concluded.