Kosovo: EU needs to deploy more police and EULEX staff

The European Union must do more to help Kosovo, the European Parliament demanded today, calling on EU Member States to supply more police officers and civilian staff for the EULEX mission.

"EULEX is crucial for combating organised crime and corruption in Kosovo. We need more European police officers, judges and civilian staff on the ground", the EPP Group's Shadow Rapporteur, Bernd Posselt, said.

In the Resolution adopted today, MEPs are concerned about the announcement of several EU Member States to withdraw parts of their formed police units from Kosovo, and call on these Member States to reconsider their decisions. "Every police officer in Kosovo helps secure stability in the Balkans and prevents organised crime from spreading into Europe. More support for Kosovo is in Europe's own interest", Mr Posselt said.

The European Parliament also issued a welcome call for the remaining five EU Member States who have not yet done so, to recognise Kosovo. Mr Posselt said: "Europe needs to help the young democracy in Kosovo. Stability in the Balkans will only be possible with a stable Kosovo. It is crucial not to create a new status discussion, and to recognise Kosovar independence in all Member States."

Under its rule of law mission in Kosovo, usually known under its acronym EULEX, the EU deploys around 1700 police officers, judges, prosecutors and customs officials to support the build-up of law enforcement and judicial structures in Kosovo following its declaration of independence in 2008.