Germany's Turkey fears Russian hybrid destabilizing efforts in Kosovo

The Greens Parliamentary Group in the German Bundestag has called for the continuation of Bundeswehri's contribution to KFOR.

This, according to them, is at risk for an increase in Russia's destabilising hybrid efforts in Kosovo.

In a statement published on the official page of this group, it is said that the NATO Forces Mission in Kosovo (KFOR) has made a key contribution to the stabilisation of the Republic of Kosovo and, therefore, to the security of the entire region now 25 years, Klankosova reports.

However, they say that despite the relatively stable security situation in the Republic of Kosovo, “has had repeated violent clashes in the northern border area with Serbia since the end of 2022”.

In addition to this potential for tension and conflict, there is fear of increasing the destabilizing Russian hybrid efforts in the continuation of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. As a central anchor of stability, KFOR's presence is crucial to the security of the entire region. Through their deployment into KFOR, German soldiers make an important contribution to the stabilisation and preservation of peace in Kosovo. So we support once again the extension of the Bundeswehr mandate, said in their statement.

Among other things, this parliamentary group has also called for the Euro-Atlantic integration of Kosovo and other countries of the region.

“In the coalition agreement, we have already made it clear, along with the SPD and the FDP, that we as the Greens' parliamentary group in Bundestag want to pay more attention to the Western Balkan region. This includes a clear prospect of membership in the European Union for all countries of the Western Balkan region. In addition, civil society must be supported and the EU should show credibility in keeping with the promises provided if the countries take appropriate reform steps”, Germany's Turkey says.

Further emphasis is placed on the basic agreement and implementation of the Franco-German initiative agreed in early 2023 between Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbia's president, Allexander Vuciq.

“This is seen as a central intermediate step in normalising relations”, the Greens say, as they add that both the EU and NATO are strongly committed in the region to strengthen rule of law, promote stability and preserve peace in our southeast neighbourhood.