EULEX Kosovo, the largest civilian mission ever deployed by the European Union, marks its first anniversary of operations today, 9th December, 2009.
"Have no doubt, this has been a challenging year. But we have begun well. We have already achieved many successes. But it is a long road ahead and we must remain focused and determined," said EULEX's Head of Mission, Yves de Kermabon.
The Mission, deployed across the whole of Kosovo, began operations on 9 December, 2008 and became fully operational in April 2009.
With nearly three thousand employees, the Mission is working to improve the rule of law in Kosovo, specifically in the fields of Justice, Police and Customs.
One of the most significant developments was the ground-breaking report carried out by EULEX's Programme Office. Its report in the summer of 2009 was the most comprehensive assessment of the state of Kosovo's justice, police and customs systems ever carried out.
On the basis of that report, and other work, EULEX and the local institutions have introduced an extensive series of projects (or 'Action Fiches') so that Kosovo's rule of law institutions can improve over the coming months and years.
"We have worked very well with the local authorities. Like us, they are committed to improving the justice system, the police and customs to reach European standards. We look forward to continuing this important partnership in the future," said Yves de Kermabon.
EULEX Kosovo is divided into three main Components Justice, Police and Customs.
EULEX adheres to the principle of local ownership. The main work of the mission is to monitor, mentor and advise the Kosovo institutions in the field of rule of law and most of EULEX's staff are co-located with their local colleagues.
The mission retains some executive powers in areas such as organised crime, corruption, war crimes and serious financial crime.