Fear of Rising Tensions, Germany to Decide This Week on Extending KFOR’s Mandate

Peace must be maintained and security increased in the region, including Kosovo.

This was stated in the German parliament by Florian Hahn, responsible for defense policy in Germany, who comes from the opposition party CSU.

The vast majority of representatives in the German parliament, the Bundestag, have been in favor of continuing the two Bundeswehr missions in the Balkans, a proposal from the German government.

Former military general Kadri Kastrati says this proposal has come because there is a risk of tensions in the four northern municipalities.

“NATO intelligence assessments, and the command in Naples, which have come here to Kosovo, have indicated that the risk exists because Russia, through its satellite, via Serbia, wants at all costs to raise tensions in the Western Balkans, especially in northern Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. I believe Germany has made the right decision to extend their contingent’s mandate,” Kastrati said.

According to Kastrati, in the near future, there might be an increase in numbers.

“Perhaps in the future, it would be necessary to further increase especially heavy equipment and armaments because the risk also exists from Serbia,” he said.

Criminology professor Fatmir Çollaku said NATO aims to maintain peace and security in Kosovo.

“NATO has brought additional troops and prioritizes the stability of Kosovo, which is undoubtedly enabled by the presence and efficiency of KFOR soldiers in Kosovo. Each year, the mandates of German soldiers and other soldiers from states that have their army representatives are extended,” Çollaku said.

The final decision on the German government’s proposal to extend the two mandates is expected to be made this week.