NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed that the Alliance’s military presence in Kosovo will gradually return to pre-2023 levels, reflecting what NATO describes as an improved security environment. The adjustment could reduce KFOR’s troop levels by between 1,200 and 1,500 personnel, depending on developments on the ground.
The change will also affect the U.S. military contingent serving within KFOR, according to an exclusive statement provided to Gazeta Express by the U.S. European Command (EUCOM).
EUCOM confirmed that American forces will undergo a phased adjustment in accordance with the latest directives issued by NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
“Based on the most recent annual review conducted by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), NATO will optimize the posture of its Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. As a result, U.S. European Command will implement a gradual, risk-based adjustment to the U.S. contribution to KFOR, in line with the optimization directed by SHAPE,” a U.S. European Command official said.
Despite the planned reduction, the United States emphasized that KFOR remains essential for maintaining peace and stability in the Western Balkans.
“The United States continues to view this mission as a key component of regional stability in the Western Balkans,” the official added.
Speaking on the future of KFOR, Mark Rutte explained that troop numbers are expected to decrease from approximately 4,700 personnel to between 3,000 and 3,500 troops.
“At this moment, KFOR has an overall strength of around 4,700 troops. What we will do is return to pre-2023 levels, and depending on circumstances, you will see KFOR moving forward with between 3,000 and 3,500 troops. This reflects the improved security situation, while KFOR remains fully focused on its core mission,” Rutte stated.
The United States remains one of the largest troop contributors to KFOR, with approximately 590 American service members currently deployed in Kosovo.
