Antero Lopes assumes leadership of EULEX mission in Kosovo

Antero Lopes, a high-ranking Portuguese diplomat, has officially assumed his role as the Head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). His mandate is set to run until June 14, 2027.

Lopes succeeds Giovanni Pietro Barbano, an Italian Major General of the Carabinieri. In his inaugural address, Lopes emphasized the mission's commitment to providing strategic advice, monitoring, and operational support to Kosovo's institutions. He highlighted the necessity of an independent and impartial rule of law system that remains free from undue political influence to protect democratic institutions and advance Kosovo's European perspective.

With nearly 40 years of national and international experience, including three decades in senior leadership roles within the United Nations, Lopes brings extensive expertise in diplomacy, security sector governance, and crisis management. He previously served in Kosovo for approximately six years.