The Ambassador of Finland to Kosovo, Matti Nissinen, recently discussed security issues in Kosovo and its integration into the EU and NATO.
According to him, geopolitical pressures and narratives supporting the opposition to Kosovo’s independence create distrust and instability within its infrastructure.
He noted that these could lead to attacks on critical infrastructure, such as the recent assault in Zubin Potok, which demonstrates the need for enhanced protective measures.
“Therefore, Finland’s experience provides valuable and useful information for addressing these challenges through building resilience, countering hybrid threats, and embracing social cohesion,” he said.
The Ambassador further stated that he believes Kosovo can mitigate the impact of external pressures and strengthen its democratic foundations.
“As Kosovo moves towards greater integration into NATO and the EU, it can prioritize actions that continue to strengthen its democracy and security framework,” said Nissinen.
According to him, beyond national mechanisms for combating these phenomena, institutions must be established for monitoring, influencing, and preventing malicious interference, as well as running campaigns to improve media literacy, empowering citizens to distinguish between reliable information.
“Improving regional and multilateral cooperation by reinforcing partnerships with the European Union and NATO, even in the absence of full membership, will strengthen Kosovo’s security infrastructure and provide a platform for joint resilience initiatives, as well as the empowerment of the public and democratic institutions.”
Transparency, the rule of law, and equal opportunities are vital in building trust in the government. By trusting in democratic processes, Kosovo can ensure that its citizens remain united against external threats,” he added.
Among other things, he emphasized that Finland is ready to support Kosovo on its journey.
