The Parliamentary Group of Greens in the German Bundestag has requested the continuation of the Bundeswehr’s contribution to KFOR.
This is because, according to them, there is a risk of an increase in Russia’s hybrid destabilizing attempts in Kosovo.
In a statement published on the official website of this group, it is said that the mission of the NATO Forces in Kosovo (KFOR) has made a key contribution to the stabilization of the Republic of Kosovo and therefore to the security of the entire region for 25 years now.
However, they say that despite the relatively stable security situation in the Republic of Kosovo, “there have been repeated violent clashes in the northern border area with Serbia since the end of 2022”.
“In addition to this potential for tension and conflict, there are fears of increased hybrid Russian destabilization attempts in the wake of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. As a central anchor of stability, KFOR’s presence is crucial to the security of the entire region. Through their deployment within KFOR, German soldiers make an important contribution to the stabilization and maintenance of peace in Kosovo. Therefore, we once again support the extension of the mandate of the Bundeswehr”, their statement reads.
Among other things, this parliamentary group has demanded the Euro-Atlantic integration of Kosovo and other countries in the region.
“In the coalition agreement, we have already made it clear, together with the SPD and the FDP, that we as the parliamentary group of the Greens in the Bundestag want to pay more attention to the Western Balkans region. This includes a clear perspective of membership in the European Union for all the countries of the Western Balkans region. In addition, civil society must be supported and the EU must show credibility in keeping the promises given if the countries undertake the appropriate reform steps”, say the Greens of Germany.
Further emphasis is also placed on the basic agreement and the implementing annex of the Franco-German initiative agreed at the beginning of 2023, between Prime Minister Albin Kurti and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić.
“This is seen as a central intermediate step in the normalization of relations”, say the Greens, as they add that both the EU and NATO are strongly engaged in the region to strengthen the rule of law, to promote stability and to to maintain peace in our south-eastern neighbourhood.
