L 119/12 Official Journal of the European Union 7.5.2011 DECISIONS COUNCIL DECISION 2011/270/CFSP of 5 May 2011 appointing the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (') THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union and, in particular Articles 28, 31(2) and 33 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (1)~ On 10 June 1999, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1244. (20 On 15 September 2006, the Council adopted Joint Action 2006/623/CFSP (%) on the establishment of a team to contribute to the preparations of the estab- lishment of a possible International Civilian Office in Kosovo, including a European Union Special Represen- tative component (ICO/EUSR Preparation Team). (3)  On 13/14 December 2007, the European Council underlined that the Union stands ready to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the region and in implementing a settlement defining Kosovo's future status. It stated the Union’s readiness to assist Kosovo in the path towards sustainable stability, including by a European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) mission and a contribution to an International Civilian Office as part of the international presences. (4)  On 4 February 2008, the Council adopted Joint Action 2008/123/CESP (°) appointing Mr Pieter FEITH European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Kosovo, whose mandate expires on 30 April 2011. (5)  Mr Fernando GENTILINI should be appointed as EUSR in Kosovo from 1 May 2011 to 31 July 2011. (6)  The Stabilisation and Association Process is the strategic framework of the Union’s policy towards the Western Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999). () OJ L 253, 16.9.2006, p. 29. O] L 42, 16.2.2008, p. 88. Balkan region, and its instruments apply to Kosovo, including a European partnership, political and technical dialogue under the Stabilisation and Association Process dialogue, and related Union assistance programmes. (7 The mandate of the EUSR will be implemented in coor- dination with the Commission in order to ensure consistency with other relevant activities falling within Union competence. (8)  The EUSR will implement his 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 Mr Fernando GENTILINI is hereby appointed as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Kosovo from 1 May 2011 until 31 July 2011. 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). Atticle 2 Policy objectives The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union in Kosovo. These include to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the region and in implementing a settlement defining Kosovo's future status, with the aim of a stable, viable, peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo, contributing to regional cooperation and stability, on the basis of good neighbourly relations; a Kosovo that is committed to the rule of law and to the protection of minorities and of cultural and religious heritage. 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;