Eight Years in Kosovo

Book excerpt: The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) was launched in 2008 as the largest civilian mission under the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union. The book presents a personal and professional story told by an EULEX-Kosovo International judge. V. S. Kanev is a Bulgarian magistrate who worked (2008 - 2016) for the EU Rule of Law Mission. His Narration is both memoir and documentary. Main part of the storyline is conveyed from a personal angle. The author has shared his diary, and the narrative is focused on the author's personal actions and duties. The book also contains useful information on the reasons leading to deployment of the mission, the mission's mandate as well as political and social difficulties of its day-to-day performance. The description of political conflicts and legal problems may be helpful for studies of modern nation building and rule of law evolution. Stories of the ethnic and religious conflicts portray a post-conflict society struggling to salvage their future from the dooms of the past.