In 1999, the disarmament of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) began, paving the way for its transformation into the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC).
The process was completed in 2000, following the Kumanovo Agreement and in accordance with the Rambouillet Agreement. The Kosovo Protection Corps operated as part of Kosovo’s Provisional Government under the United Nations administration, specifically the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
The first commander of the KPC was appointed Lieutenant General Agim Çeku. Under the agreement, the mandate and responsibilities of the KPC included disaster response and mitigation, assistance in emergency situations, demining operations, reconstruction support, and aid to communities, KP reports.
The KPC was established during the early phase of Kosovo’s institutional development, a period marked by growth and consolidation both in Kosovo and across the region, albeit under difficult conditions and with low salaries.
On 2 February 2007, the UN Special Envoy for Kosovo’s status, Martti Ahtisaari, presented his proposal to Pristina and Belgrade. The plan, known as the Ahtisaari Plan, envisaged the dissolution of the KPC and the creation of a new security force.
“A new, professional, and multi-ethnic Kosovo security force will be established, lightly armed and capable of addressing specific security needs as outlined in Annex VII of this agreement. The Kosovo Protection Corps, having fulfilled its mission, including facilitating post-war reconstruction, will be disbanded one year after the approval of this agreement,” the plan stated.
In 2009, the KPC was officially dissolved and transformed into the Kosovo Security Force (KSF). On 20 January 2009, the KSF formally replaced the KPC, initially with a mandate focused on responding to major disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and fires threatening Kosovo.
On 4 March 2014, the Government of Kosovo decided to establish the Armed Forces of Kosovo as the country’s army, tasked with ensuring Kosovo’s territorial integrity. Subsequently, on 14 December 2018, the Kosovo Assembly approved, with 106 votes in favor and one abstention, three laws changing the mandate of the Kosovo Security Force into that of Kosovo’s army, without altering its name.
The adopted laws included the Law on the Ministry of Defense, the Law on the Kosovo Security Force, and the Law on Service in the Kosovo Security Force. Serb MPs did not participate in the parliamentary session, as they opposed the formation of Kosovo’s army.
