Switzerland also increases number of KFOR members

The Swiss Federal Council, at today's meeting, has decided to strengthen the Swiss contingent (Swisscoy) within KFOR with 20 additional members of the armed forces from April 2024.

This increase in the number of Swiss soldiers comes after the withdrawal of the Austrian mission from KFOR in the spring of 2024.

Swisscoy currently has a peak of 195 members of the armed forces who volunteer to participate in the mission, reports Klankosova.tv.

In June 2023, the federal Parliament approved Switzerland's participation in KFOR and its extension until December 31st, 2026. In addition, Parliament gave the Federal Council the competence to increase the number of armed forces by the maximum of 30 during the mandate and by the end of the mission so that the armed forces will be able to respond to any additional KFOR needs.

Austria announced NATO would reduce its participation in KFOR in the spring of 2024. In total, two units will withdraw -- one infantry company and one transport company. Austria's quota will be greatly reduced.

To close the gap due to Austria's reduction of the container and in agreement with NATO, the Federal Council has decided to strengthen the Swiss contingent with 20 additional military personnel deployed in the field of transport from April 2024. The Swiss contingent has increased from 195 to 215 members of the armed forces who volunteer on the mission.

The 20 additional members of the armed forces will provide all KFOR services in the field of transportation of people, materials and goods.

Despite the current situation, the security of Switzerland's Armed Forces in Kosovo remains unchanged. Members of the Armed Forces are prepared to work in such a context and to arrive safely in case of emergency. They know the right way to behave in the face of ethnic and political tensions. The Swiss Armed Forces Peace Construction Centre (SWISSINT) is constantly monitoring the situation. The Federal Council could decide the withdrawal of Swiss Swiss at any time”, the Swiss Federal Council reports.

Strengthening Switzerland's contribution to stability in the Western Balkans

The Swiss Federal Council says KFOR remains an important player for stability and security in the Western Balkans.

“Raising its contingent, Switzerland is participating in NATO's stabilising efforts in the region. By doing so, she also testifies to her solidarity with her partners in a Europe that is facing major challenges in the context of the war in Ukraine. The strengthening of the Swiss contingent also promotes strengthening co-operation with NATO, recommended by the Federal Council in the supplementary report of the Security Policy 2021. Finally, it shows Switzerland's readiness to expand its contribution to building military peace”, the Swiss Federal Council said.