The Council of the European Union has appointed Giovanni Pietro Barbano as the new head of the Mission for the Rule of Law in Kosovo-EULEX. 

Barbano is a major general in the Italian Carabinieri and current director of the Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units in Vicenza, Italy. 

His mandate as head of EULEX in Kosovo will last from June 26, 2023 to June 14, 2025. The appointment decision was taken by the EU member states in the Political and Security Committee (PSC). Barbano is the successor of Lars-Gunnar Wigemark. 

The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) began in 2008 as the largest civilian mission within the European Union's Common Security and Defense Policy. 

The overall mission of EULEX is to support the relevant institutions of the rule of law in Kosovo on their way to increased effectiveness, sustainability, multi-ethnicity and accountability, free from political interference and in full compliance with international standards on human rights and European best practices.