NATO’s mission in Kosovo, KFOR, said that any potential decision to reopen Mitrovica’s main bridge over the Iber River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all communities in the area. KFOR also said it is supporting the European Union’s diplomatic efforts concerning the process and referred questions regarding the bridge’s status to the EU and Kosovo institutions.
KFOR has begun a gradual transition of its permanent presence from the main bridge over the Iber River in Mitrovica. The NATO mission said the move is being carried out in line with the improved security situation in Kosovo and forms part of a broader process to optimize KFOR’s deployment.
The development comes after the European Union stated that the conditions for reopening the bridge to vehicle traffic have been met.
Following a meeting between KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş and the EU’s representative in Kosovo, Eva Palatova, a NATO official told Gazeta Express that KFOR is supporting the EU’s diplomatic efforts on the issue and stressed that any decision regarding a possible reopening of the bridge to vehicles must take into account the needs of all communities.
“KFOR also continues to provide the necessary security support so that the EU-led diplomatic efforts can move forward.”
Regarding the bridge’s status, KFOR referred further questions to the EU and Kosovo institutions.
“For any further comments regarding the status of the bridge, please refer to the EU and the institutions of Kosovo.”
KFOR also emphasized that the transition of its presence at the Iber Bridge will be gradual, based on conditions on the ground, and reversible if developments in the security situation require it.
The process is being closely coordinated with all relevant actors, including Kosovo institutions, international organizations, the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).
KFOR said that local actors have also been regularly informed and engaged, including the Serb List, the main political party representing Kosovo Serbs. KFOR Commander Özkan Ulutaş most recently met with representatives of the Serb List on August 11.
Ulutaş is also maintaining contact with other relevant actors. KFOR said the commander continues to engage closely with counterparts in Kosovo institutions, international organizations and the Serbian Armed Forces.
Despite the transition, KFOR stressed that its security presence will remain in both the northern and southern parts of Mitrovica.
“Our personnel are well positioned to respond to any significant developments, in accordance with KFOR’s longstanding mandate established by the United Nations. KFOR will maintain a visible presence in South and North Mitrovica, as well as in northern Kosovo, and will continue contributing to a safe and secure environment for all communities.”
KFOR reiterated that it continues to monitor developments on the ground and remains fully focused on implementing its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, including maintaining a safe and secure environment and ensuring freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.
Following KFOR’s decision to gradually transition its presence from the bridge, Kosovo Police personnel were seen at the site and are expected to assume a greater role in ensuring security in the area.
The European Commission also issued a message regarding the Kosovo Police. EC spokesperson Anita Hipper reiterated the EU’s “clear position” that the conditions for reopening the bridge to vehicles have been met.
“What we also require is for the Kosovo Police to ensure the security of all communities, in line with democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law, so that everyone feels safe,” Hipper said.
The EU also said it expects Kosovo’s institutions to coordinate with all communities.
“We have made our assessment, steps have been taken in this direction, and our position remains that we still expect effective coordination and meaningful consultations, which need to be improved,” Hipper added.
Meanwhile, Belgrade has announced that it will raise the issue with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said he would send an official letter to Rutte regarding the reopening of the Iber Bridge and criticized the KFOR commander.
“This is being done by the Turkish commander of KFOR. Today I will write to Mark Rutte and I hope he will respond to my letter and accept my request that this should not happen,” Vučić said, describing the development as a “great shame” and “disappointment.”
The Ibar Bridge, which has been open to pedestrians but closed to vehicle traffic, has long served as a symbol of the division of Mitrovica.
In 2024, Kosovo Government efforts to reopen the bridge faced opposition from local Serbs, while the European Union called on Kosovo authorities to coordinate with all relevant stakeholders before taking such action. The government subsequently constructed two parallel bridges as alternatives to the main bridge.
