Pristina — NATO-led KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş has met with the newly appointed Head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), Antero Lopes, at KFOR Headquarters in Camp Film City, Pristina.
The meeting focused on the security situation across Kosovo and the need for continued coordination between the two international missions.
Ulutaş welcomed Lopes to his new post and expressed his appreciation for the longstanding cooperation between KFOR and EULEX, emphasizing the importance of close coordination in maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout Kosovo.
The meeting comes as KFOR continues to adjust its deployment according to security conditions, while maintaining a visible presence across Kosovo, including in the north. KFOR has stressed that its ongoing optimization does not represent a withdrawal or a reduction of NATO’s commitment to Kosovo.
EULEX, meanwhile, remains an important partner in Kosovo’s security architecture, working alongside KFOR and the Kosovo Police within their respective mandates.
KFOR continues to operate under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, contributing to a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people living in Kosovo. NATO has repeatedly emphasized that KFOR coordinates closely with the Kosovo Police and EULEX in carrying out these responsibilities.
Lopes formally took over as Head of EULEX Kosovo on August 10, 2026, with his mandate running until June 14, 2027.
The meeting between the two mission chiefs sends a clear message: despite changes in deployments and responsibilities, close NATO-EU coordination remains central to maintaining stability and security in Kosovo.
