The mandate of Head of Mission Eulex Kosovo extended

(B2) The mandate of the head of the European Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (Eulex Kosovo), Xavier Bout de Marnhac, was due to end on June 14. It has been extended (which is no surprise to anyone reading this blog). His term of office will now end on October 14, 2012. This involves ensuring, with the same leader, the implementation of the new format of the Eulex mission. According to our information, the head of mission was ready to continue beyond his mission. But on the side of the High Representative, we prefer to renew the mandate. Even if this criterion does not appear officially, there is also a question of nationality which is at stake. On the one hand, the French have largely withdrawn from the mission in Kosovo, in particular no longer providing FPU police forces. And it is often traditional (even if it is not systematic) that the head of the mission/operation is also the one who provides the most elements to the mission. On the other hand, the French are aiming for other responsibilities (in particular the Eucap Nestor mission, even the Eucap Niger mission). There is therefore a balance of nationalities at the head of EU missions, which must be respected.

Read also: The Eulex mission in Kosovo changes focus, and loses weight