European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo: Externalizing Internal Security of the EU

Abstract

With Kosovo Declaration of Independence in 2008 the European Union along with other non-EU states deployed the European Union Rule of Law Mission, the first heavily financed missions launched under Common Security and Defense Policy exercising executive powers. Throughout EULEX deployment in the country the mission has been challenging to garner public recognition. Some of critiques imply political pretext, while others target mission’s failure to strengthen Justice sector, given EULEX ambitious statements to reinforce the rule of law in Kosovo. Using the concept “Externalizing Internal Security” I argue that EULEX camouflaged its real agenda in Kosovo, which indeed explains mission’s underperformance in justice.