Kosovo’s accession to NATO has emerged as one of the most significant strategic issues for security in the Western Balkans.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions and hybrid threats in the region—particularly from Serbia—Kosovo is increasingly viewed as a key factor for regional stability. Calls for Kosovo to join the world’s largest security alliance have been persistent.
Recently, during a discussion at the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, lawmakers urged Kosovo’s NATO membership and stressed the need to pressure Serbia to halt campaigns of non-recognition and external influence, moving away from the Russian orbit.
In an interview with RTK, Acting Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci stated that Kosovo’s Security Force is fully prepared to operate alongside the world’s most powerful armies within NATO.
“Kosovo is ready in military, defense, and operational capacities to join NATO. Naturally, the main challenge remains the political aspect within NATO itself, particularly the hesitancy of non-recognizing member states. However, I assess this is not an insurmountable obstacle,” Maqedonci said.
Despite the readiness of the Kosovo Security Force (FSK), experts emphasize the importance of strengthening diplomatic relations.
“The government coming after these elections must focus on diplomacy and repairing the damage we have faced internationally to move forward toward NATO membership. Kosovo’s accession would not only benefit Kosovo but also the region and NATO itself, making the Balkans much more stable,” said Kadri Kastrati, former FSK Commander.
Security analysts highlight Kosovo’s potential NATO membership, referencing the completion of the 10-year transition plan in 2028.
“These efforts by our authorities and especially by U.S. congressmen mean that Kosovo could be included in NATO in a preliminary phase even before fully meeting all standards,” said Nuredin Ibishi, security expert.
The latest countries to join NATO were Finland and Sweden, bringing the total number of member states to 32.
