KFOR mandate
Germany is to continue the participation of its Federal Armed Forces in the KFOR (Kosovo Force) international security presence in Kosovo. The Cabinet has extended the mandate until the end of June 2022. The decision must still be approved by the German Bundestag. Here are key FAQs on the extension of the mandate.
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Germany is actively engaged to stabilise peace and security in the region.
Photo: picture alliance/dpa/Sina Schuldt
What is the goal of the Kosovo mission?
Kosovo Force (KFOR) focuses on the political stabilisation of the Republic of Kosovo and military peacekeeping. Political stability is important not only for the region itself. It is also in the strategic interests of German security policy. German troops are part of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)-led mission to ensure public order and are involved in the democratic stabilisation of the country in a number of areas. Security and peace in the region are to be ensured in the long term.
Why is the mission to be extended?
Although the situation in Kosovo is largely stable and peaceful, the region still harbours potential for conflict and escalation. There are still no immediate prospects of a normalisation of political relations with the Republic of Serbia. In the north of Kosovo, conflicts could flare up again at any time.
To ensure peace and stability in the region in future, unexpected incidents and any political instability in Kosovo must be prevented. Kosovo Force (KFOR) has made a major contribution to this over the last 20 years. The extension of the KFOR mandate until the end of June 2022 will enable Germany to continue its support for the Republic of Kosovo.
What exactly is Germany’s contribution?
With the continued and constant involvement in KFOR, the German Federal Government is underlining its engagement to stabilise peace and security in the region. German troops are providing support in particular in ensuring public order and security, coordinating humanitarian relief and building the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), as a democratic security organisation in Kosovo.
A total of up to 400 German troops can be deployed. Within the framework of the European Union, Germany is also involved in the dialogue aiming to normalise relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Kosovo in the non-military sector.