The mandate of Mr Samuel ŽBOGAR as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) is hereby extended until 31 August 2016.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2052 of 16 November 2015 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo 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.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2052 of 16 November 2015 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo 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.
Article 1 European Union Special Representative
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Ms Nataliya APOSTOLOVA is hereby appointed as EUSR in Kosovo for the period from 1 September 2016 to 28 February 2017.
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The mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier, if the Council so decides, on a proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR).
Article 2 Policy objectives
The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union in Kosovo. These include playing a leading role in promoting a stable, viable, peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo; strengthening stability in the region and contributing to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans; promoting a Kosovo that is committed to the rule of law and to the protection of minorities and of cultural and religious heritage; supporting Kosovo's European perspective and rapprochement with the Union in line with the perspective of the region and in accordance with the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the Council Decision on its signing, and in line with the relevant Council Conclusions.
Article 3 Mandate
In order to achieve the policy objectives, the mandate of the EUSR shall be to:
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offer the Union's advice and support in the political process;
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promote overall Union political coordination in Kosovo;
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strengthen the presence of the Union in Kosovo and ensure its coherence and effectiveness;
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provide local political guidance to the Head of EULEX KOSOVO, including on the political aspects of issues relating to executive responsibilities;
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ensure consistency and coherence of Union action in Kosovo, including in guiding locally the EULEX transition;
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support Kosovo's European perspective and rapprochement with the Union in line with the perspective of the region and in accordance with the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the Council Decision on its signing, and in line with the relevant Council Conclusions, through targeted public communication and Union outreach activities designed to ensure a broader understanding and support from the Kosovo public on issues related to the Union, including the work of EULEX;
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monitor, assist and facilitate progress on political, economic and European priorities, in line with respective institutional competencies and responsibilities;
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contribute to the development and consolidation of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kosovo, including with regard to women and children and protection of minorities, in accordance with the Union's human rights policy and Union Guidelines on Human Rights;
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assist in the implementation of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue facilitated by the Union.
Article 4 Implementation of the mandate
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The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.
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The PSC shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR's primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.
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The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its relevant departments.
Article 5 Financing
1.
The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the mandate of the EUSR during the period from 1 November 2015 to 28 February 2017 shall be EUR 3 135 000.
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The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union. Participation of natural and legal persons in the award of procurement contracts by the EUSR shall be open without limitations. Furthermore, no rule of origin for the goods purchased by the EUSR shall apply.
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The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.