Swiss KFOR Troops to Stay in Kosovo for Three Years

The Federal Council seeks a contingent of 195 maximum soldiers from April 2021. This contingent can be reinforced by 20 people in case of increased threat. These reinforcements can only work for four months. Fifty people may be employed for an eight - month period to carry out logistical and maintenance duties. The committee refused by 14 votes to 10 to limit these quotas, specify Parliament services. In the function of tensions, it is important to give the Federal Council access to staff growth if necessary.

The political and security situation in the Western Balkans makes the presence of the multinational Kosovo force (KFOR) necessary. Swisscoy's engagement is important and presents no problems from the point of view of neutrality, most of the commission believes. Since 1999, Switzerland has been present with an army contingent in Kosovo.

Despite the ongoing decision of the Swiss Swiss mission, the Swiss Federal Council, this year turns 20 years of Switzerland's military presence in Kosovo, part of peace and stability with 8,500 men and 650 women in Swiss.

So far, the Swiss Parliament has repeatedly agreed to continue with the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo. For another minority, military means are not appropriate. Two other minorities propose to relodge resources within the contingent rather than boost them. The repair and maintenance work could be entrusted to local companies. The commission also refused by 21 votes against 3 to send the project back to the Federal Council, urging it to withdraw troops by the end of the year.
The Federal Assembly approved Swisscoy's commitment to KFOR by 31 December 2020. Swiss services have adapted to KFOR's needs. The contingent grew from 235 to 190 soldiers in April 2018, then to 165 since October 2019. Part of the vehicle returned to Switzerland, particularly the armoured vehicles.