This article focuses on the achievements and shortcomings of the EU’s CSDP missions in the Western Balkans. The question addressed is: to what extent are the EU crisis management missions successful in accomplishing their objectives in the Western Balkans? The study analyses the cases of EUFOR Althea in Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH) and EULEX Kosovo, which operate until today and are the largest military and rule of law missions in the Western Balkans. Rather than studying the policy-making process that leads to the initiation of these missions, this article focuses on their implementation and assesses to what degree they have achieved their goals. In doing so, the article builds on analytical frameworks from studies that focus on the implementation of the CSDP missions, it utilizes mission reports and the findings from semi-structured interviews. The article argues that EUFOR Althea fulfilled the 2004 and 2007 mandates, but not all the goals of the latest 2010 mandate. Consequently, the mission successfully contributes to a safe and secure environment in BiH. On the other hand, EULEX Kosovo faces many constraints to fulfil its goals, especially regarding the remediation of the Kosovar judiciary and providing a safe and secure environment in the north of Kosovo. These hinder the success of the mission, despite the achievements for supporting the Kosovar Police and Customs.
European Foreign Affairs Review