10.7.2013 Official Journal of the European Union L 189/9 COUNCIL DECISION 2013/366/CFSP of 9 July 2013 amending and extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (') THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 28, Article 31(2) and Article 33 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (1) On 25 January 2012, the Council adopted Decision 2012/39/CFSP (?) appointing Mr Samuel ZBOGAR as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Kosovo. The mandate of the EUSR is to expire on 30 June 2013. (2)  The mandate of the EUSR should be amended and extended for a further period of 12 months. (3)  The EUSR will implement the mandate in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could impede the achievement of the objectives of the Union’s external action as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Atticle 1 European Union Special Representative The mandate of Mr Samuel ZBOGAR as the EUSR in Kosovo is hereby amended and extended until 30 June 2014. The mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier, if the Council so decides, on a proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR). Article 2 Policy objectives The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union in Kosovo. These include playing a leading role in promoting a stable, viable, peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo; strengthening stability in the region and contributing to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans; promoting a Kosovo that is committed to the rule of law and to the protection of minorities () This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 (1999) and the IC] Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. () OJ L 23, 26.1.2012, p. 5. and of cultural and religious heritage; supporting Kosovo's progress towards the Union in accordance with the European perspective of the region and in line with the relevant Council Conclusions. Article 3 Mandate In order to achieve the policy objectives, the mandate of the EUSR shall be to: (a) offer the Union’s advice and support in the political process; (b) promote overall Union political coordination in Kosovo; () strengthen the presence of the Union in Kosovo and ensure its coherence and effectiveness; (d) provide local political guidance to the Head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX KOSOVO), including on the political aspects of issues relating to executive responsibilities; () ensure consistency and coherence of Union action in Kosovo; (f) support Kosovo's progress towards the Union, in accordance with the European perspective of the region, through targeted public communication and Union outreach activities designed to ensure a broader under- standing and support from the Kosovo public on issues related to the Union; (g) monitor, assist and facilitate progress on political, economic and European priorities, in line with respective institutional competencies and responsibilities; (h) contribute to the development and consolidation of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kosovo, in cooperation with the EUSR for Human Rights, including with regard to women and children, in accordance with the Union’s human rights policy and the Union Guidelines on Human Rights; (i) assist in the implementation of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue facilitated by the Union.