Brussels, 16 July 2026
On 15 July 2026, the Council appointed Antero Alfarela Oliveira Lopes as Head of Mission of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo* (EULEX Kosovo) for an initial mandate of 10 months, starting on 10 August 2026. He will succeed Mr. Giovanni Pietro Barbano.
Mr. Lopes is a Portuguese senior international executive specialising in diplomacy, rule of law and security sector governance with more than four decades of experience at national and international levels, including over 25 years with the UN. His assignments include the UN Protection Force in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNPROFOR) and, for six years, the UN interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), bringing extensive experience in strategic leadership, crisis management and engagement with governments and international partners.
EULEX Kosovo is a crucial tool to strengthen rule of law institutions in Kosovo. It was launched in 2008 as the largest civilian mission under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The Mission supports selected rule of law institutions in Kosovo on their path towards increased effectiveness, sustainability, multi-ethnicity and accountability, free from political interference and in full compliance with international human rights standards and European best practices.
In line with its current mandate, EULEX Kosovo carries out monitoring, mentoring and advising activities and has limited executive responsibilities with its Formed Police Unit (FPU). EULEX continues to support the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in line with relevant Kosovo legislation. The Mission provides technical support in implementing of relevant agreements reached within the framework of the EU-facilitated Dialogue and contributes to the stability and security in Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans region.
In June 2025, the Council extended the mandate of EULEX Kosovo for a further two-year period, until 14 June 2027.
* 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
- CV of Antero Lopes
- EULEX Kosovo (official website)
- Civilian and military missions and operations (background information)
- EULEX : Council renews the mandate of the EU civilian mission in Kosovo* (press release, 17 June 2025)
Source – EU Council