The Council of the European Union has appointed Antero Alfarela Oliveira Lopes to the post of Head of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), for an initial mandate of 10 months, starting on 10 August 2026.
Lopes will succeed Giovanni Pietro Barbanon, who has so far led the EULEX mission in Kosovo.
The Portuguese official has a career spanning over four decades in the fields of diplomacy, rule of law and security sector governance, including more than 25 years of engagement within the United Nations.
During his career, Lopes has also served in the UN peacekeeping missions in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNPROFOR), as well as for six years in the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
His experience includes strategic leadership, crisis management, and collaboration with local institutions and international partners.
EULEX Kosovo, established in 2008, is the largest civilian mission under the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy. The mission aims to support the rule of law institutions in Kosovo in strengthening their effectiveness, independence, transparency and compliance with international standards.
EULEX also continues to provide support to the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor's Office, as well as to contribute to the implementation of agreements reached in the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue.
The current mandate of the mission was extended by the EU Council in June 2025 for a period of two years, until 14 June 2027.
