CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS: (DE) CONSTRUCTING EULEX DISCOURSE

The Kosovar Security Studies (KCSS), organized a roundtable on the occasion of the publication of the research “Critical Discourse Analysis: (De) Constructing EULEX discourse”.

KCSS presented a statistical annex which reflects frequencies of the terminology used by EULEX in the period of 2009-2012. This research has revealed the most frequent terms, including: multi-ethnicity, non-majority communities, accountability, transparency, compliance, local authorities, political interference, etc., during the above mentioned period.

This report is focused on critical discourse analysis to identify trends in the language used by EULEX based on official statements and reports. In this context, the main aim of this research consists of detecting the invisible relationship between EULEX and the Kosovo institutions., considering that until now this kind of research has not been conducted regarding the international civil and military presence. The Roundtable has brought together representatives of civil society, political parties, representatives of EULEX and EU presence.

The common denominator of this roundtable discussion was the calling to avoid any ambiguous approach by EULEX depending on political circumstances, despite the technical nature of its mandate. EULEX sends dissimilar messages to different communities in Kosovo and beyond. This approach has undermined its legitimacy and declined the acceptance by local population, as well made it difficult to fulfil the promises in the rule of law. Additionally, various legal sources of the mandate of this mission have been discussed, including the lack of access to northern Kosovo, lack of internal unity within the EU member states and the need to clarify more the work of mission in communicating directly with the public