German soldiers' mandate in Kosovo lasted for one more year

Bundeswari's Kosovo mandate is extended for another year. 29m euros will cost this mandate in the next 12 months.

The German Bundestag approved the continuation of the mission of German soldiers to Kosovo, which is also the oldest actually Bundeswehri mission abroad. The ruling has voted the overwhelming majority of German deputies -- 508 deputies were for continuing the mandate in Kosovo, while 136 against, 4 abstained and 61 did not vote. Pro vote came from ruling coalition deputies CDU/ CSU and SPD and the parliamentary group of greens and liberals (FDP), DW follows.

The mission of German soldiers in Kosovo is currently the longest and started 19 years ago (in 1999, following Kosovo's withdrawal of Serbian troops). Currently in Kosovo, within Kosovo Force (KFOR) are about 400 German soldiers. But Bundestag's mandate allows commitment simultaneously of up to 800 soldiers. The rest of the contingent is in a state of readiness and can be sent to Kosovo in emergency cases.

The mission of German soldiers in Kosovo will cost around 29.8m euros in the next 12 months. But most German deputies agree, this is a very reasonable and successful mission for preserving peace and tranquillity in Kosovo. The mandate of German soldiers in Kosovo continues annually.