The Council of the European Union on Tuesday extended the mandate of the EU rule of law mission in Kosovo, EULEX, and approved its budget.
"On 14 June 2016, the Council extended the mandate of the EU rule of law mission (EULEX) in Kosovo until 14 June 2018. The Council also approved a combined budget for the mission of EUR 63.6 million [USD 71.3 million] providing for the period 15 June 2016 — 14 December 2016 for its operations in Kosovo and until 14 June 2017 for the specialist chambers and the specialist prosecutor office," said the statement.
The mission would receive EUR 34.5 million for "the implementation of its mandate" and EUR 29.1 million to support "the specialist chambers and the specialist prosecutor office."
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after spending several years under UN administration. It is recognized by Washington and many EU member nations.
The European Union launched EULEX in 2008, primarily to fight corruption and organized crime in Kosovo. According to the mission's website, it consists of some 1,400 people from both the European Union and Kosovo.