Austria sends 190 soldiers to Kosovo this month

Within this month, the 50th contingent of Austrian soldiers will be sent to the KFOR mission.

Austria's Defence Minister, Claudia Tanner, said her country is committed to actively participate in overcoming crises and ensuring peace through international peace operations in order to face the new challenges of the 21st century.

She stressed that resolving current security problems requires close co-operation at the European and international level.

Besides its primary responsibility for national military protection, participation in international peace operations is a top priority for the Austrian Armed Forces. Austrian soldiers have always proven to be reliable partners in Kosovo, and I am glad that this course is continuing on with the rotation of the 50th contingent”, said Minister Tanner.

Austria has been participating in this mission since 1999. The commander of the new contingent will be General Staff Service Colonel Bernhard Gruber, who will lead about 190 soldiers.

Since 2 July 1999, Austrian Armed Forces have been active in Kosovo.

The Austrian Defence Ministry says Austrian Armed Forces contribute to maintaining order and public security, support international organisations and help rebuild the region.

There are ongoing riots in the operational zone, including May 2023, where serious unrest occurred in the Zvecan area with cross-fires and hand grenades, and about 60 KFOR (without Austrians) soldiers were injured, some of them serious”, the minister points out.

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