The EULEX Head of Mission, Ms Alexandra Papadopoulou, spoke yesterday at the University “Ukshin Hoti” of Prizren, Faculty of Law and Economics, about the rule of law in Kosovo. Building upon the 2017 EU Teach-a-Day “Education” theme, Ms Papadopoulou urged students to “use education to empower their future and actively participate in the building of a pluralistic, free and democratic Kosovo through the strengthening of rule of law institutions in Kosovo.”

Ms Papadopoulou spoke about the European Union’s dedication to help Kosovo build a democratic and multi-ethnic society based on the respect for the rule of law and the preservation of human rights.  She emphasized the continued commitment of EU Member States’ to strengthen the rule of law in Kosovo through EULEX.

Speaking about the Mission, Ms Papadopoulou emphasized that EULEX plays a key role – in close cooperation with the EU Special Representative and the EU Office in Kosovo – in helping Kosovo achieve its European aspirations, including in the fight against organized crime and corruption.

“As long as we are here, EULEX will faithfully continue to implement its mandate in assisting Kosovo rule of law institutions. Yet, it is ultimately your responsibility – as the next generation of young Kosovo men and women – to build an open and transparent rule of law society,” she emphasized.

Students were interested in learning more about EULEX’s present role and current mandate – and posed a number of interesting and challenging questions.
 
The lecture was organised by the Office of the EU Special Representative as part of the EU Teach-a-Day initiative, which takes place each year to commemorate the 9 May Europe Day.  Senior EU representatives are invited to make presentations on the role of the European Union to university students from throughout Kosovo.