NATO plans to gradually reduce its peacekeeping presence in Kosovo as security conditions in the Western Balkan territory continue to improve, alliance officials said.
The NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), which has maintained stability in Kosovo since 1999, is expected to scale back troop numbers as local institutions assume greater responsibility for maintaining security and public order.
Officials emphasized that the reduction will be carried out cautiously and in coordination with Kosovo authorities and international partners to ensure that regional stability is preserved. NATO stressed that KFOR will remain ready to respond if the security situation deteriorates.
The decision follows assessments indicating a generally improved security environment despite periodic tensions between ethnic Albanian and Serb communities in northern Kosovo. Alliance representatives noted that the mission's mandate remains unchanged and that NATO remains committed to peace and stability in the region.
KFOR currently consists of thousands of personnel from NATO and partner countries, serving as a key security presence in Kosovo for more than two decades.
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