The security situation in Kosovo has improved, creating an opportunity to renew political progress, strengthen democratic institutions and build greater trust among communities, NATO parliamentarians concluded following a fact-finding visit to Prishtina on October 28–29.
However, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly warned that persistent tensions and hybrid threats continue to pose challenges to long-term stability.
During the visit, members of the Assembly’s Political Committee examined Kosovo’s ambitions to deepen Euro-Atlantic integration and contribute more actively to regional and Allied security.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti and other senior officials presented Kosovo’s strategic priorities, including increased defense investment, procurement and recruitment, as well as efforts to strengthen training and interoperability between the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) and Allied forces.
Kosovo’s leaders reiterated that NATO membership remains a strategic priority and highlighted the country’s continued political and practical support for Ukraine.
The discussions also revealed broad political and societal consensus in Kosovo in favor of NATO membership and close cooperation with the Alliance, according to the Assembly.
KFOR maintains its essential security role
The delegation also examined developments in Kosovo’s security environment and NATO’s continuing role in the country, including during a visit to KFOR headquarters.
The Assembly stressed that KFOR remains essential to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities.
NATO has begun gradually optimizing KFOR’s deployment in response to improved security conditions on the ground. The process is conditions-based, while the Alliance retains the ability to adjust its presence if the situation deteriorates.
The Assembly emphasized, however, that improvements in security must be accompanied by progress in the political sphere.
Dialogue with Serbia remains essential
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly said the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Prishtina remains crucial for lasting regional stability.
Progress toward normalization and the implementation of existing commitments will be particularly important in the coming period, the statement said.
The Assembly also argued that Kosovo now has an opportunity to advance political reforms, strengthen democratic institutions and move closer to its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Among the priorities identified during the visit were strengthening the rule of law, parliamentary oversight and institutional accountability.
The delegation also highlighted the importance of building trust among non-majority communities through effective protection of linguistic and property rights, political participation and access to public services.
Meetings with Kosovo institutions and international representatives
The fact-finding delegation included members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Subcommittee on Transatlantic Relations (PCTR) and Subcommittee on NATO Partnerships (PCNP).
In addition to meeting Prime Minister Kurti, the parliamentarians held discussions with key government ministers, parliamentary leaders from both governing and opposition parties, representatives of non-majority communities, KFOR, UNMIK and EULEX officials, independent experts and civil society representatives.
The Assembly’s findings underline that Kosovo’s improved security environment provides an opportunity for further political and institutional development, while lasting stability will also depend on progress in dialogue with Serbia and stronger confidence among all communities.
