The events of 17 March 2008 in Mitrovica reminded us of the necessity for permanent and close cooperation between the different international organizations working towards stabilization and security in Kosovo. There are already many actors involved either in reconstruction, like the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Commission, or acting directly or indirectly in the field of rule of law, in the areas of police education and training, or for a safe and secure environment (UNMIK and KFOR). Does Kosovo need a new actor, which could further dilute the efforts of the international community, possibly increasing the frustration and misunderstanding of the local population or, worse, putting staff and units on the ground in danger because of a lack of coordination?

As part of the reconfiguration of the international presence in Kosovo, it is the intention of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) to aim high, and this will be supported by the incoming French presidency, whose clear focus will be to strengthen it.

The EULEX Kosovo mission is the biggest civilian mission ever deployed by the European Union in the field of rule of law and the first to have executive powers. Its strength lies in the integrated action of the three components (police, justice and customs), its principle of local ownership to ensure sustainability and accountability, and the intention to use the executive mandate in most areas only as a last resort.