Communiqués de presse

Council establishes planning team for rule of law mission in Kosovo

(GENERAL AFFAIRS and EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting - Luxembourg, 10 April 2006)

The Council adopted a joint action establishing an EU planning team regarding a possible EU crisis management operation in the field of rule of law and possible other areas in Kosovo (EUPT Kosovo) (7771/06).

The objective of the EUPT Kosovo is the following:

• to initiate planning, including necessary procurement processes, to ensure a smooth transition between selected tasks of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and a possible EU crisis management operation in the field of rule of law and other areas that might be identified by the Council in the context of the future status process;
• to provide technical advice as necessary in order for the EU to contribute to support and maintain the dialogue with UNMIK as regards its plans for downsizing and transferral of competencies to the local institutions.

EUPT Kosovo will be deployed gradually beginning with a core team from the end of April with the intention of having the full team in place before 1 September 2006.
The Joint Action expires on 31 December 2006.