The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) has not taken over police responsibilities in northern Kosovo.

EULEX’s Senior Police Advisors North are based in the compound of Kosovo Police's Region North Directorate and are providing advice to Kosovo Police’s Region North Directorate and the four police stations under its command on number of issues related to the provision of policing services. In addition, the EULEX Advisor to the Chief Prosecutor of the Mitrovica Basic Prosecution Office and the EULEX Advisor to President of Mitrovica Basic Court are closely monitoring the situation in these two justice institutions.

In addition, EULEX’s Formed Police Unit (FPU), consisting of 105 Polish police officers, has further increased its mobile reconnaissance patrols in northern Kosovo to enhance its situational awareness. The FPU, which is stationed in Mitrovica, is Kosovo’s second security responder, forming part of a three-layer security responder mechanism where the Kosovo Police is the first security responder, EULEX is the second, and NATO/KFOR is the third. As Kosovo’s second security responder, EULEX maintains close coordination with both the Kosovo Police and KFOR, Kosovo’s first and third security responder respectively. In its role as second security responder, the EULEX FPU will only engage at the explicit request of the Kosovo Police.

EULEX remains vigilant and is closely monitoring all developments which may affect Kosovo’s security, as well as the security of all communities in Kosovo. The safety of women, men, girls, and boys from all communities in Kosovo is EULEX’s main priority and we will do what is needed, and what it takes, to support the stability of Kosovo, within the confines of our mandate, and contribute to the security of its population. If needed, the Mission can deploy an additional Reserve Formed Police Unit to further enhance its forces on the ground and operational capacity.