In a recent article published on the official website of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) regarding the German government’s decision to increase the number of troops in Kosovo, several reasons are provided for why the international presence under NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) remains necessary, despite the progress made in Kosovo.
Currently, there are about 400 German soldiers among the international peacekeeping forces. A few days ago, an additional contingent of 200 soldiers arrived in the country amidst tensions between Kosovo and Serbia.
A team of Bundeswehr editors stayed in Kosovo to observe the routine operations of German soldiers within KFOR up close.
“Anyone arriving in Kosovo would find it hard to believe that it is a Bundeswehr operational area. A modern airport, highways similar to those in Germany, and various shopping centers are some of the first things that catch the eye,” writes Bundeswehr in the article titled: “Why Has Bundeswehr Increased Its Presence in Kosovo in 2024?”
“Kosovo has rapidly developed over the past decades. However, the increase in prosperity masks the fact that a conflict is simmering there, which requires the presence of an international protective force,” the German military recalls, also mentioning arms smuggling: “Along the Kosovo-Serbia border, there are always illegal crossings or arms smuggling.”
Bundeswehr has been present in Kosovo since June 12, 1999. However, in response to last year’s unrest and the unstable situation in northern Kosovo, which is predominantly inhabited by Serbs, NATO allies increased the number of troops in the country. The German military estimates that Kosovo will gradually assume responsibility for its national security.
“They [German soldiers] are impressed by Kosovo – how far the country has come in recent decades. People mainly live in peace and security, which is why KFOR makes a significant contribution. Also, the state institutions are on the right track. Kosovo will gradually take responsibility for its own security,” Bundeswehr writes further.
In principle, the mission of German soldiers in Kosovo is open-ended, meaning there are no time limits. However, in 2020, the German executive guaranteed that it would address Bundeswehr’s participation in NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Parliament every 12 months.
