EULEX Strengthens Kosovo’s Specialized Police Unit
The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) announced on Tuesday the reinforcement of its Specialized Police Unit (SPU) through a temporary deployment of officers from the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR). These officers hail from France, Italy, Lithuania, and Portugal, reports RFE.
In an official statement, EULEX noted that the additional personnel will collaborate closely with the SPU officers provided by Poland to support the mission’s mandate of maintaining stability across Kosovo and ensuring safety for all communities.
This announcement comes a day after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed ongoing communication with officials in Pristina and Belgrade to prevent destabilization in Kosovo during the upcoming parliamentary elections on February 9.
Rutte emphasized the importance of regional stability, citing Kosovo-Serbia relations and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina as key issues in the Western Balkans.
Additional Forces Arriving Soon
The reinforcement contingent is expected to arrive in Kosovo in the coming days. EULEX has confirmed they will conduct visible patrols to enhance security.
This marks the fifth deployment of EULEX’s reserve unit, with the first deployment dating back to March 2022. Under the three-tier security response mechanism, Kosovo Police serves as the first responder, EULEX as the second, and NATO-led KFOR as the third.
Security Context
The elections come amid heightened tensions in Kosovo’s northern, Serb-majority areas. In September 2023, an armed group of Serbs attacked Kosovo Police, resulting in the death of a sergeant.
EULEX’s enhanced presence underscores the international community’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral process in Kosovo.
