Defining the EU Mission in Kosovo

    • IMG_6907
    • Presentation speakers
      • Vjosa Musliu, Gent University, Belgium
      • Shkendije Geci, The National University of Public Services - Doctoral School of Military Science in Budapest, Hungary

    Abstract:
    The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo – EULEX – has been deployed under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), following the declaration of Kosovo’s independence. As the largest ever ESDP Mission, it has generated considerable academic and policy debate within security studies, peace-building and political science. This paper focuses on the dimensions of coherence of EULEX aiming to identify its profile within the ESDP framework, by examining its internal and external coherence.

    In terms of vertical coherence, the paper will explore the Mission as conceptualized and ‘incepted’ in Brussels, in comparison with its actual deployed form on the ground in Kosovo. The Mission per se is an archetypal Security Sector Reform (SSR) Mission- even though not exactly labeled as such, with a clear focus on the justice system, penal reform, etc. Yet, subsequent to its deployment, the Mission’s operations have clearly expanded and as such reflect the incorporation of a post-conflict stabilization element. In terms of horizontal coherence, the paper engages in a comparative analysis between, the discourse of EULEX and its action, on one hand and deliberating the multiple identities of the Mission, which transcend the traditional security concept, on the other. From the theoretical perspective, the paper brings together theories of security studies to analyze EULEX’s action on the ground and discourse theories used in political science to analyze the text and speech of the Mission.