New Head of EULEX pledges helping Kosovo rule of law institutions act free from political interference

Gazeta Express

23/01/2020 15:23

Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark on Thursday took office as the new Head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, with a mandate running until 14 June 2020. He succeeds Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, a Greek diplomat who completed her term as Head of EULEX last July, EULEX announced in a statement.

“I look forward to this new and challenging appointment. I will strive for EULEX to remain a reliable partner for its Kosovo partners and friends, offering our long-time rule of law counterparts tangible, timely and useful assistance to keep growing stronger and more capable to continue their journey on the European path,” Wigemark said according to the statement.

Lars-Gunnar Wigemark is a Swedish diplomat. He served as Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina until August 2019. Before this he was EU Ambassador for Pakistan (full CV available below).

As the new Head of EULEX Kosovo, Wigemark will direct the Mission’s support to relevant rule of law institutions in Kosovo on their path towards increased effectiveness, sustainability, multi-ethnicity and accountability, free from political interference and in full compliance with EU best practices.

Today Lars-Gunnar Wigemark had the opportunity to meet with EU Member States Ambassadors at the regular EU Head of Mission’s meeting chaired by the EU Special Representative and will hold a number of meetings with senior Kosovo and international officials and EULEX’s partners in rule of law institutions. /GazetaExpress/