EU creates Balkan task force

The European Union has created a new Balkans task force to co-ordinate its policy towards the former Yugoslavia, and ensure the efficient delivery of aid to the region. The move came as Nato's political and military chiefs flew into Kosovo to mark the first anniversary of the start of the alliance's air war against Serbia.

EU heads of government - meeting in Lisbon - mandated Chris Patten, Commissioner for External Affairs and Javier Solana, High Representative of the European Union for Common Foreign and Security Policy, to head the task force. Its aim will be to ensure the international community delivers its promises to Kosovo.