The Swiss Council of States (Senate) has approved an increase in the number of Swiss troops deployed in Kosovo under the Swisscoy, following a similar decision by the National Council.
The decision allows the Swiss government to deploy up to 300 military personnel in the peacekeeping mission, significantly increasing the current ceiling of 215 troops.
In addition, the Federal Council will be able, if necessary, to send a supplementary contingent of up to 85 additional soldiers for an indefinite period. The decision follows parliamentary discussions during which different proposals were considered, including a smaller increase, before lawmakers ultimately backed the broader option approved by the lower chamber.
The Swiss parliament also recently extended the mandate of the Swisscoy mission until 2029, signaling continued long-term commitment to peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.
The development comes amid reports that NATO has warned of the possibility of a gradual reduction of its own military presence in Kosovo, increasing the perceived importance of contributing national contingents like Switzerland’s.
