Britain's Defence Minister: We are considering arms export to Kosovo

In a written question of February 3rd, 2025, David Taylor (Laburist émel Hempstad) asked Secretary of State for Protection for “the possible impact of United Kingdom arms exports to Kosovo in (a) Kosovo's security and (b) increasing the United Kingdom defence economy”

Maria Eagle, State Minister at the Ministry of Defence, replied on February 6th, stressing that the United Kingdom “continues to monitor closely the security situation in Kosovo”, while British forces remain “deployed in the country supporting NATO's mission to preserve a safe and secure” environment.

Eagle explained that “HMG is also exploring weapons export opportunities in Kosovo”, which she said could help support the jobs across the United Kingdom and maintain our global-class industrial defence base, in addition to strengthening the security and sustainability of Kosovo”. She stressed that any license for these exports will be given “in line with the Strategic Export License Criteria United Kingdom”, ensuring that issues such as risk and impact on regional stability are fully taken into account.

“We do not issue licenses where to do this would be contrary to criteria, including criteria 4, where we determine whether there is a clear danger that the articles would undermine overall peace and security” has added Eagle

Reviewing the Ministry of Defence for Weapons Exports in Kosovo, they say, is part of a broader effort to support peacekeeping missions and development in the region, continuing to ensure the protection and economic interests of the United Kingdom. / RTK/