National security and populism cannot be mixed if we want to keep Kosovo safe

The recent approval by the government of the “National Programme for the Comprehensive Protection of the Republic of Kosovo” (3 months before the start of the election campaign) raises serious concerns due to the lack of transparency and harmonisation with Kosovo's established reforms in defence and security. Since independence, Kosovo has been working closely with the US and NATO to build a professional, skilled defence force, with a clear guide including the creation of a National Guard. The National Guard integrates civilians under protection and willingness to disaster, providing readiness for both military and civilian crises.

The “od hoc” initiative of the comprehensive “comprehensive protection” appears to be a populist movement, lacking the strategic rigorousity of the Kosovo Security Force transit plan (FSK). This government programme threatens to damage years of methodical defence construction supported by allies. Kosovo's focus should remain on structured development of its security institutions, rooted in international standards, rather than following politically motivated and poorly conceived initiatives.

The adoption of the government's “National Programme for the Comprehensive Protection of the Republic of Kosovo”, on September 11th, (3 months before the start of the election campaign), raises serious concerns about both its origin and the approach to Kosovo's post-independence defence trajectory, which has been built precisely in close co-operation with the US and NATO. There is no clear or specific programme supporting this newly adopted initiative, leaving important questions about where it fits in the national security and defence strategy.

Since Kosovo's independence, the road to security and defence has been a methodical planning and harmonisation with our main strategic allies, especially with the US and NATO. This process, reflected in efforts like Kosovo Security Sector Strategic Review (RSSR), has identified real threats, capacity gaps and possibilities for improvement in a structured and internationally recognised framework. This process created a guide that focuses on building an agial, efficient and very capable defence force that not only addresses immediate military needs, but also strengthens the stability of the state through civil readiness and disaster risk reduction.

A critical component of this trajectory has been transforming the Kosovo Security Force (FSK) into military force with a defence mission. This process is not simply about creating military power; it integrates civilians into national security structures through carefully designed mechanisms like the National Guard. The role of the National Guard is essential. It joins civil readiness with defence readiness, contributing both to national protection and civil protection in times of crisis. This development has been part of Kosovo's broader approach to NATO standards, reflecting our long-term goal for NATO membership and using our defence partnerships.

By contrast, “National Programme for Comprehensive Protection” appears to be a hastily formulated and populist response, lacking transparency and strategic basis. Without a clear programme or explanation of how this initiative adapts to past Kosovo defence reforms, it raises serious concerns that are simply a politically motivated gesture. The government's movement to adopt such a programme seems to bypass well-placed processes supported by allies, which have been built hard over the years. It risks undermining the credibility of Kosovo's defence system by introducing unclear, populist initiatives without clear approach to existing frameworks.

Any serious initiative must be anchored in reality. Kosovo's defence reform concerns the creation of structures that are effective and related to international standards. The transitional KSF plan, including the formation of the National Guard, is a key example of this integration of civilians into the defence sector in a way that serves double targets of disaster risk reduction and protection readiness.

This so-called <x0-> comprehensive protection” does not seem to have undergone the same planning or rigorous co-ordination with our strategic partners. In fact, it represents a step away from the structured approach and based on data that Kosovo has followed in building a protection force. Instead, it tilts towards populism, presenting a superficial display of protective readiness that does not take into account the deep work already done with US and NATO guidelines.

In the end, since defence initiatives are crucial to Kosovo's sovereignty, they must be rooted in our determined and reliable trajectory. The adoption of an unclear and unequivocal programme by the government is not a substitute for comprehensive, internationally harmonised processes currently in the country. Kosovo should remain focused on building a professional defence force through the empowering of the KSF and the establishment of the National Guard, instead of following the populist gestures which lack the essence and strategic merits.