Swiss army to remain on Swisscoy mission in Kosovo for another three years Seven injured in explosion at bus stop in Jerusalem

The Federal Council wants to extend the Swisscoy mission in Kosovo for three years, until the end of 2026. The corresponding message passed it to parliament on Wednesday.

The state government also wants the right to expand the Swiss contingent in the NATO multinational KFOR by up to 30 military personnel during the term of the mandate.

The situation in Kosovo is currently stable, but is still characterized by volatility, the Federal Council justified its request. NATO wants to continue the KFOR mission as long as relations between Serbia and Kosovo are not normalised.

New risks of war in Ukraine

The Federal Council argued that the war in Ukraine would also pose increased security risks in the countries of the Western Balkans. The peacekeeping mission remains necessary and serves the stability of the entire region. Switzerland has a direct interest in peace in Kosovo.

The state government also referred to considerations to strengthen cooperation with NATO. It also justified the need for greater leeway in terms of contingent size with the changed security situation in Europe: NATO member states might feel compelled to increase their deployment in Eastern Europe and reduce it in Kosovo. Switzerland could therefore be involved more in the KFOR mission.

“Take responsibility”

In this way, Switzerland proves that it is taking its share of responsibility, the statement said. She does this “at a time when NATO is determined to address the challenges related to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.”

Swisscoy currently has up to 195 members of the military. Parliament must approve the operation because it lasts longer than three weeks and more than 100 soldiers are involved. The current mandate expires at the end of 2023. (cpf/sda)