EU extends the mandates of the EU special representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Kosovo* for two years
The Council today extended the mandates of the EU special representatives (EUSRs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Kosovo* for two years, respectively, until 31 August 2023.
The EUSR in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler, was first appointed on 8 August 2019, with the task of contributing to achieving the following policy objectives:
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-continuing progress in the Stabilisation and Association Process
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-ensuring a stable, viable, peaceful, multi-ethnic and united country that cooperates peacefully with its neighbours, and
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-ensuring that the country is irreversibly on track towards EU membership.
The EU will also continue to support the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The EUSR in Kosovo, Tomáš Szunyog, was appointed on 1 September 2020, with the task of contributing to achieving the following policy objectives:
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-promoting a stable, viable, peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo, including through strengthening stability in the region and contributing to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans, and
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-promoting a Kosovo that is committed to the rule of law and to the protection of minorities and of cultural and religious heritage
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-supporting Kosovo's European perspective and rapprochement with the EU in line with the perspective of the region and in accordance with the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, and in line with the relevant Council conclusions.
Background
EU special representatives promote the EU's policies and interests in specific regions and countries, and work on issues of particular concern or interest for the EU. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law. The first EUSRs were appointed in 1996.
Currently, nine EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell i. These include the two special representatives mentioned above, as well as the EUSRs for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues; South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia; the Sahel; Horn of Africa; Central Asia; the Middle East Peace Process; and Human Rights.
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*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.