The Council of the European Union decided Tuesday to prolong the EU's rule of law mission in Kosovo (EULEX) by two more years, until 14 June 2014, with an overall reduction in the mission's staff of about 25 percent, the Council said in a release.

As stated in the report obtained by Tanjug, a budget of EUR 111 million has been allocated for the first year.

“I welcome the extension of the EU's largest civilian crisis management mission for two more years. EULEX is doing an important and good job in supporting the rule of law in Kosovo,” EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said on the occasion.

She encouraged the Pristina authorities to make use of the EULEX expertise, adding that more and more responsibility would need to be taken over by the local authorities in the future.

“The mission mandate remains largely unchanged but following progress achieved during the past three years since EULEX reached full operational capability, and taking into account the overall development of EU-Kosovo relations, the mission will be internally reconfigured,” says the release.

According to the release, the aim is to make the mission stronger, leaner and more efficient.

As of June 15, 2012, the authorized maximum of international staff will be 1250 and 1000 local staff down from 1950 internationals and 1200 locals, says the release.

“As the justice sector remains the main challenge there will be a specific focus on this area, it adds,” it says.

“The mission will continue to mainly consist of police officers, judges, prosecutors and customs officials,” the release adds.