The new head of NATO, Mark Rutte, said on Wednesday that the security situation in the Western Balkans region is fragile, mentioning in particular that in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The situation in the Western Balkans remains worrying with threats of separation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the fragile security situation in Kosovo and the little progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina”, said Rutte to reporters on the eve of the meeting of Defense Ministers of NATO member countries.
The security situation in Kosovo remains tense since last year, especially after an attack by a group of Serbs on the Kosovo Police in the north of the country, as a result of which one policeman and three attackers were killed.
Recently, NATO has moved troops into Kosovo and North Macedonia, saying they send a “clear message” of NATO’s strong resolve and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region, but also the capabilities of alliance and readiness to respond.
Rutte pledged that NATO will remain strongly committed to its mission in Kosovo, KFOR, which has over 4,400 military troops in the country.
“For more than two decades, KFOR has maintained a calm and safe environment for all people in Kosovo and freedom of movement. NATO’s commitment to KFOR remains strong even today,” Rutte emphasized.
NATO has increased its presence in Kosovo during 2023, after the increase in tensions in the north inhabited by a Serbian majority.
KFOR is the third security responder in Kosovo, after the Kosovo Police which is the first and after the EU rule of law mission, EULEX.
The NATO mission in Kosovo is also responsible for the security of Kosovo’s borders with Serbia. Meanwhile, the rest of the border line is supervised by the Kosovo Police.
Rutte, former prime minister of the Netherlands, two weeks ago took over the role of NATO secretary general, succeeding the former head of the alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, in this post.
He also spoke about Russia’s efforts to create divisions in the region through disinformation campaigns.
“Russia is also making efforts to hinder democracy in the region with hybrid and cyber threats, including disinformation. She is using her inner feelings to create division”, he underlined.
This will be the first meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Defense Ministers under Rutte’s leadership.
