On 24 June 2026, the Head of Mission of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), Giovanni Pietro Barbano, hosted on a farewell reception, attended by Kosovo Acting President Albulena Haxhiu, former President Osmani-Sadriu and President Sejdiu, Acting Ministers, heads of international organizations, Ambassadors, representatives of political parties, civil society organizations and esteemed guests.

In her opening remarks, Acting President Haxhiu thanked Barbano for his service and cooperation. She emphasized that Kosovo appreciated the professionalism, institutional seriousness, and respectful approach, and pointed out that, in Kosovo, institutions have strengthened in capacity, professionalism, and accountability, continuing to carry out their constitutional and democratic duties.

Saying heartfelt goodbye to the many guests, Barbano recalled that at the heart of EULEX’s work there have always been the people of Kosovo, stressing the reliable and constructive work done by the Mission in supporting Kosovo’s stability and the strengthening of the rule of law, upholding accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights.

“Whether in courtrooms or police stations, or visiting prisoners and detainees in correctional facilities, patrolling the territory with its formed police unit listening to and engaging with communities, assisting the institute of forensic medicine on their work on missing persons, - EULEX has been, and will continue to be, on the side of Kosovo’s people,” Barbano said, adding: “Over the past three years, we have strengthened cooperation with judicial institutions and maintained our independent and impartial monitoring across the justice chain. I am also particularly appreciative of the progress achieved with Kosovo Police, supporting them in addressing organisational challenges, reinforcing community-oriented policing, and enhancing operational preparedness through joint coordination and training within the three-tiered security response mechanism.”

The EULEX Head of Misson expressed his sincere appreciation to all Kosovo rule of law institutions for their openness, professionalism, and constructive spirit.

Barbano also thanked all Mission’s partners: the European Union family, the EU Office /EUSR and the EUSR for the Dialogue, EU Member States, EULEX’s contributing third countries, the QUINT, the NATO-led mission KFOR, and international and multilateral partners, including the UNITED NATIONS and the OSCE.

“I am confident that EULEX will continue to play a meaningful role in strengthening the rule of law and supporting Kosovo’s European path. I trust that Kosovo will continue to move forward with a pragmatic and forward-looking approach,” he concluded.