Foreign military forces in Kosovo have begun mobilizing additional troops to bolster security, particularly in light of the upcoming election period. KFOR has already increased its presence in the country, with European gendarmerie forces from nations such as France and Italy expected to arrive in the coming days.
This mobilization aims to prevent potential escalation during the sensitive electoral period while supporting the missions of KFOR and EULEX.
EULEX officials confirmed to RTK that they are closely monitoring all developments that might impact Kosovo’s security.
“The Reserve Formed Police Unit (RFPU) will be deployed to address the mission’s need for additional on-the-ground forces, enhancing support to Kosovar counterparts. This deployment also considers the sensitive electoral period, acting as Kosovo’s secondary security responder, if required. RFPU will conduct visible patrols and contribute to the mission’s situational awareness. While the security situation in northern Kosovo remains stable, it is fragile. EULEX remains vigilant and monitors developments closely,” an EULEX spokesperson stated.
Temporary Reinforcement for Stability
Security experts view the temporary troop increase as a proactive step to ensure stability during the elections.
“This is a positive move for Kosovo’s security institutions. The deployment appears temporary and aims to maintain control during the election period,” said security analyst Arben Dashevci.
Meanwhile, security expert Avni Islami highlighted Serbia’s potential interest in destabilizing the region.
“Serbia may attempt to draw attention to Bosnia and Kosovo to shift focus within its own domestic audience. These efforts could involve unexpected maneuvers to capture international attention during the elections,” Islami explained.
Italian Troop Deployment
KFOR recently announced the arrival of Italian troops in Kosovo on January 18. Over 200 additional soldiers from Italy’s infantry forces are expected to join the mission in the coming months.
