Outgoing Prime Minister Albin Kurti has enthusiastically welcomed the return of “Defender Europe”, one of the largest U.S.-led military exercises, to Kosovo for the third time.
Kurti announced that from May 26 to June 6, Kosovo will host part of the multinational training, involving 12,000 soldiers from 19 countries as part of the “Immediate Response” segment of Defender Europe 25. The exercise will bring together 25,000 troops from 29 allied and partner countries across Europe, highlighting Kosovo’s growing role in regional and international security.
“The 28th Infantry Division Command of the U.S. Army will be based at Gjakova Airport, from where it will lead all Balkan operations during the exercise,” Kurti wrote on social media.
This marks a significant turnaround from 2023, when Kosovo was excluded from the exercises as a sanction for Kurti’s domestic policies, particularly tensions in the north. The 2025 inclusion underscores what Kurti described as “deepening defense and security cooperation” with the United States and NATO partners.
Kurti also noted that Kosovo has become safer than ever before, citing increased defense budgets, modernized weaponry, and the ongoing training of troops with NATO members.
“We remain committed to strengthening Kosovo’s role in maintaining peace and contributing to regional and global stability,” he added.
The return of Defender Europe is widely viewed as a diplomatic and strategic win for Kurti’s government, reaffirming Kosovo’s alliance with Western military structures amid regional volatility.
