The German Embassy in Kosovo has reaffirmed Berlin’s support for the NATO-led KFOR mission after a Kosovo Police vehicle was seen stationed on the Ibar Bridge in Mitrovica.
The police vehicle appeared on the bridge on Monday, drawing attention amid KFOR’s confirmation that it had begun a gradual transition away from its permanent presence at the strategically sensitive crossing.
KFOR said the move was part of an effort to optimize the positioning of its forces in line with what it described as improvements in Kosovo’s security situation.
The transition had not been widely discussed publicly in recent months, although reports suggested that the issue had been under consideration for an extended period.
Asked by Gazeta Express to comment on the development, the German Embassy did not specifically refer to the presence of the Kosovo Police on the bridge. Instead, it emphasized Germany’s continued commitment to KFOR and its mandate to maintain a safe and secure environment throughout Kosovo.
“Germany remains committed to its contribution to KFOR, mandated by the Bundestag, as well as to KFOR’s mission to maintain a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo,” the embassy said.
The Ibar Bridge has long been a sensitive security and political point in Mitrovica, symbolizing the divisions between the predominantly Albanian southern part of the city and the predominantly Serb northern part.
KFOR’s gradual adjustment of its permanent deployment therefore comes as part of a broader reassessment of its force positioning, while the alliance continues to emphasize its responsibility for maintaining security and stability across Kosovo.
