European Voice publishes GPPi op-ed on EU mission in Kosovo

On December 17, in an opinion piece published in the European Voice, GPPi Research Associate Raphael Bossong reviewed the one-year track record of the EU’s biggest peace operation to date, EULEX Kosovo. He argues that the mission’s initial successes in reforming Kosovo’s security sector are overshadowed by structural problems and the country’s unresolved international status. EULEX’s responsibilities for the pursuit of serious crimes and security in the Serb-dominated north have triggered protests on several occasions, while the deep economic troubles of Kosovo fuel a sense of frustration. The International Court of Justice is also soon expected to rule on Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence, which could further destabilize the situation.

EU member states and senior officials in Brussels are dangerously detached, however. The incoming Spanish Presidency of the EU is one of the staunch opponents of Kosovo’s independence, and the creation of European External Action Service consumes much attention. 

Bossong argues that German, France and the UK need to keep Kosovo on the agenda and exert renewed pressure to move on with the process of international recognition. Such an increased engagement would also allow EULEX to assume a more demanding political stance towards Kosovo’s political elites, which seems vital to maintain the credibility and public support of the mission.