“Over the past decade the EU has made considerable investments in Kosovo through its IPA programme and has supported Kosovo in various ways. For example, EULEX is here to improve the rule of law,” Khaldoun Sinno, Head of the Political, Economic and European Integration Section, European Commission Liaison Office to Kosovo (ECLO) told law students. He was giving a lecture entitled Reform of the EU Institutional Framework at the Winter University in north Mitrovica on 1 February.

Khaldoun Sinno, Head of the Political, Economic and European Integration Section, European Commission Liaison Office to Kosovo (ECLO) during the lectures at the Winter University in north Mitrovica

This was the first lecture in the EU's new programme of outreach activities to communities in northern Kosovo. Law students and representatives of EU organisations were present.

The lecture focused on the Treaty of Lisbon and its effects on EU enlargement, parituclarly in the Western Balkans.

About 20 students, mostly law students at the Winter University, comprised the audience. They were predominantly local Serbs, as well as international students from Germany, Czech Republic and FYROM.

During Q and A time the students’ questions focused on EU Institutions, in particular on the role of EULEX.

On 3 February Alexander Hug, Head of the EULEX Human Rights and Gender Office, delivered the next lecture, entitled “The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg,” at the Winter University.

“The state is required to ensure that private parties within its jurisdiction do not deprive people of their rights unlawfully or arbitrarily,” said Alexander Hug, EULEX Chief Human Rights and Gender Office, during his lecture on the European Court of Human Rights that was held on 3 February 2010 in north Mitrovica.

Alexander Hug, EULEX Chief Human Rights and Gender Office together with Law Professor Jelena Belovic during their lecture in north Mitrovica on 03 February 2011

This was the second lecture in the EU's new programme of outreach activities to communities in north Kosovo. Law students and representatives of EULEX were present.

Law Professor Jelena Belovic was the second panellist, lecturing on the importance of Gender Equality education.

A series of lectures on EU and its role in Western Balkans, in particular regarding Kosovo, by officials from EU institutions, is also planned as part of forthcoming school outreach for the north.