Antero Lopes, a senior international official from Portugal, took office today as Head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).
“I am honoured to take up the position of Head of EULEX and to lead a Mission that, for many years, has served as a trusted and impartial partner to Kosovo’s rule-of-law institutions. EULEX’s diverse and professional team remains strongly committed to supporting an accountable and independent rule-of-law sector, which is essential for democratic governance, legal certainty, public trust and long-term stability, for the benefit of all communities in Kosovo,” Lopes said.
“Working closely with Kosovo’s institutions, EU partners and the wider international community, I am committed to ensuring that the Mission continues to provide strategic advice, monitoring and operational support in line with its mandate, while promoting institutional resilience, professionalism, integrity, full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as gender equality. An independent, impartial rule-of-law system free from undue political influence is essential to protecting democratic institutions and advancing Kosovo’s European perspective.
“I look forward to engaging closely with our counterparts, listening to their priorities and working together to achieve concrete and sustainable progress that will further strengthen the rule of law and also contribute to regional stability and security,” he concluded.
Antero Lopes brings with him 40 years of national and international experience, including nearly three decades in senior leadership positions within the United Nations. Having served in Kosovo for approximately six years, he is well acquainted with the country’s context and brings extensive knowledge and practical experience in diplomacy, the rule of law, security-sector governance, crisis management, mediation and institutional reform.
Antero Lopes’s mandate will run until 14 June 2027. He succeeds Giovanni Pietro Barbano, an Italian Carabinieri Major General, who completed his term as Head of EULEX in June 2026.
EULEX was established in 2008 as the European Union’s largest civilian mission under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
In June 2025, the Council extended EULEX’s mandate until 14 June 2027, under Decision (CFSP) 2025/1161.
