Fernando GENTILINI EU Special Representative in Kosovo
Fernando GENTILINI was appointed European Union Special Representative in Kosovo on 1 May 2011. His current mandate, which runs until 31 July 2011, shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union in Kosovo.
In order to achieve the policy objectives, the mandate includes the task of offering the EU’s advice and support in the political process and promote overall Union political coordination in Kosovo.
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Kosovo Minister of Justice, Ms Nekibe Kelmendi and EULEX Head of Mission, Mr Yves de Kermabon, at the inauguration of the Justice building in Pristina
Kosovo is a key priority for the European Union (EU). In Kosovo the best way to move towards European integration is by creating a democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo with full respect for the rule of law, cooperating peacefully with its neighbours and contributing to regional and European stability. This includes extensive measures to safeguard the future of all communities in Kosovo, thereby creating a basis for Kosovo's sustainable economic and political development. For these reasons, the EU decided on 16 February 2008 to launch a EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) mission in the area of rule of law.
The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) is the largest civilian mission ever launched under the CSDP. The central aim is to assist and support the Kosovo authorities in the rule of law area, specifically in the police, judiciary and customs areas. The mission is not in Kosovo to govern or rule. It is a technical mission which will mentor, monitor and advise whilst retaining a number of limited executive powers. EULEX works under the general framework of United Nations Security Resolution 1244 and has a unified chain of command to Brussels.
The mission reached its initial operational capability in early December 2008 and its full operational capability on 6 April 2009. At the moment, the mission has around 1700 international police officers, judges, prosecutors and customs officials and approximately 1100 local staff deployed Kosovo wide and working under the general framework of UNSCR 1244. The headquarters is in Pristina and in the regions, with staff working within the judicial and police system and mobile customs teams in Kosovo in accordance with the principle of co-location.
The initial mandate is for 2 years but the mission is foreseen to be terminated when the Kosovo authorities have gained enough experience to guarantee that all members of society benefit from the rule of law.
On 27 July 2010
Xavier Bout de Marnhac, from France, was appointed as the new Head of Mission of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, EULEX KOSOVO. He succeeds Yves de Kermabon, also from France.
On 26 April 2010, the Council noted with satisfaction the results achieved so far by EULEX KOSOVO in a difficult environment assisting judicial and law enforcement agencies and in promoting rule of law reforms, including in the prosecution and adjudication of sensitive criminal cases and the important and specific role played by the mission in strengthening the stability of the region in line with its European perspective.
The Council expressed its support for the mission's approach to intensify its efforts in the fight against organised crime and corruption. The Council further welcomed efforts to increase the mission's presence and activities in the north of Kosovo, alongside other EU actors, including through the establishment of the EU House in Mitrovica.