27 years after NATO entered Kosovo and deployed over 50,000 troops to the KFOR peacekeeping mission, the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, US Air Force General Alexus G. Grynkewich said the military alliance will gradually reorganize the force to support that mission over the next year.
This decision came after the assessment that the security situation in the country has improved “NATO and KFOR are fully committed to security and defense in Kosovo”.
“It is this engagement that has led to increased stability, while the security organizations in Kosovo have become more capable. The current conditions offer an opportunity to further optimize the size and position of KFOR”, he added, emphasizing that the changes will occur gradually in accordance with the conditions on the ground and if necessary this process can be stopped.
KFOR, NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, has been deployed since 1999 and currently numbers around 4,600 troops. Following tensions in the north and violence in 2023, including attacks on NATO peacekeepers in the northern town of Zveçan, the Alliance sent around 1,000 additional troops, marking the largest reinforcement of KFOR in more than a decade.
NATO also reaffirmed its commitment to the Western Balkans and said it would continue to support the EU-mediated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, calling it essential for long-term regional stability.
