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 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;

(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;

(e) 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 understanding 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.

Article 4

Implementation of the mandate

1. The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.

2. The Political and Security Committee (PSC) shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR’s primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.

3. The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Article 5

Financing

1. The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the mandate of the EUSR in the period from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 shall be EUR 1 870 000.

2. The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union. Nationals of the countries of the Western Balkans region shall be allowed to tender for contracts.

3. The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.