EULEX extends mandate for two years

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, has indicated that the mandate of the EU Mission for Rule of Law in Kosovo (EULEX) will be extended for another two years, until June 2017.

Kallas made that announcement during a speech to EULEX staff.

For all these reasons, we are extending the EULEX mandate for two more years. Your added value is clearly evident to all. E ULEX is the largest CTP civilian mission and the only one operating in the Western Balkans. This, since a safe and prosperous Kosovo is essential for wide security in Europe. And it is an indication of the EU's commitment to Kosovo and their path towards membership”, Kallas has said.

Kallas has stressed that EULEX's work has also been key to building trust between communities and restoring citizens' trust in institutions of justice.

It's a pleasure to be here on this sunny day and see for myself the important work you're doing. For 17 years, EULEX has proven the values in progress. You are helping strengthen security, rule of law and reconciliation among local communities. Whether this is in daily monitoring of sensitive areas, dealing with bans in environments stemming from conflict, or advising institutions of rule of law to better serve the community. Or in your forensics, to clarify the fate of the undiscovered and for the perpetrators to be held accountable. This work is important in building trust between communities and trust in institutions, but it also helps grieving families turn a page, which is important for reconciliation.

EULEX has witnessed the capacities to adapt to the circumstances, in 2018, for example, with the transfer of executive responsibilities to local authorities, which was a big achievement, underlining the efficiency of your reports with local authorities.

Lately, Serbs withdrew from Kosovo institutions and tensions returned. And EULEX again quickly adapted, and I want to congratulate you on the job, in particular for police units here in Mitrovica, where public order has been more at stake, as well as in other parts of the country.

Violent incidents in Zvecan and Banjska in 2023 were evidence of this. And I can't forget your work in the February elections. You made sure that the EU is visible throughout Kosovo during a tense period, ensuring members of all communities for their security. Yesterday I spoke to leaders of the main political parties here in Kosovo and encouraged them to exploit the moment, to establish institutions. Above all, EULEX has shown what good co-operation with NATO looks like in practice, engaging together”, Kallas has added.