The participation of armed German military personnel in the international security presence in Kosovo (Kosovo Force (KFOR)) will be continued. This was decided by the Federal Cabinet on 21 May 2025. A total of up to 400 German soldiers can still be deployed. This also ensures that the Federal Armed Forces can react quickly and flexibly if the security situation deteriorates.

Democratic stabilisation

The KFOR mission is focused on bringing about political stability in the Republic of Kosovo and providing military support for the peace settlement. Stability and peace in Kosovo are not only important for the region itself, but also for Germany, NATO, the EU and Europe as a whole. The long-term goal remains the handover of security responsibility to the Kosovan security institutions.

As part of NATO, German soldiers are helping to secure public order and participating in the democratic stabilisation of the country in various areas. The aim is to establish long-term security and peace in the region.

Why is the deployment being extended?

Although the security situation in Kosovo has stabilised again since 2023, it could deteriorate again at any time. In the course of violent individual actions, Kosovo Police forces have been repeatedly shot at and injured, among other things. At the end of November 2024, there was an explosive attack on critical infrastructure, the Ibar-Lepenc canal, which is central to the water and electricity supply for the entire country. 

The Kosovan government continues to take action against parallel structures and organised crime networks in the north of the country. In view of the continuing potential for escalation and conflict in the short term, it is necessary for KFOR troops to remain present in the region. KFOR is a central anchor of stability in the region.

What is Germany’s specific contribution?

The German contribution to KFOR continues to include the participation of personnel in the KFOR headquarters in Pristina and in multinational reconnaissance forces. In addition to its participation in KFOR, the Federal Government is also working in the civilian sector to promote stability and peace in the Balkans in the spirit of integrated security. The Federal Government’s central concern is the sustainable and legally binding normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. The Federal Government is supporting the EU-led normalisation dialogue between the two countries.

The deployment is based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 and the NATO deployment decision of 30 January 1999. As such, German military personnel are acting within and in accordance with the rules of a system of mutual collective security pursuant to Article 24, paragraph 2 of the Basic Law.

The mandate authorises Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to provide German forces to carry out the mission for an unlimited period of time. The authorisation expires when the United Nations mandate ends or the NATO deployment decision is not extended.