Kosovo asks for EU rule of law mission to be extended

PRISTINA, Kosovo – The Kosovo government says it has asked the European Union to prolong its rule of law mission, known as EULEX, for two years.

Since 2008, EULEX has supported Kosovo on its path to greater European integration in the areas of rule of law and the fight against corruption.

Last year Kosovo signed a stabilization and association agreement with the EU and last month the European Commission recommended a visa-free travel regime for Kosovo.

Kosovo came under U.N. and NATO administration after a 1999 NATO-led air war halted a Serb crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatists. In 2008 Kosovo declared independence, recognized by 111 countries but rejected by Serbia.

A statement Friday said extending the EULEX mandate, which expires June 14, should also be approved by the Parliament and by Brussels.