Kosovo, KFOR
In 1999, the UN Security Council (Resolution 1244) tasked NATO with establishing and leading a peacekeeping force responsible for maintaining peace and general security in Kosovo. The force was named Kosovo Force (KFOR). Initially, the force included around 50,000 soldiers, of which Sweden contributed approximately 850.
Photo: Maria Pålsson/Försvarsmakten
KFOR’s tasks have included supporting the return of refugees, mine clearance, medical support, collecting weapons, protecting religiously significant sites, and building civil institutions. After Kosovo declared independence in 2008, the mission’s mandate was expanded to include support for the development of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF)—a professional, multi-ethnic, lightly armed, and uniformed security force under democratic and civilian control. The KSF’s role is to protect Kosovo and assist civil authorities during natural disasters and other emergencies, such as search and rescue operations, mine clearance, firefighting, and other humanitarian efforts.
Today, approximately 3,500 soldiers from 27 countries serve within KFOR. Sweden currently provides four positions in staff, advisory, and airport administration roles, some of which are only staffed periodically, as described below:
Staff officer
The staff officer’s task is to revise and develop plans for internal training and exercises at KFOR’s Operations Planning Section. This person also serves as contingent commander and Sweden’s representative, responsible for overall reporting and liaison with other nations. The staff officer also serves as a liaison officer at the Swedish Embassy in Pristina. The position is staffed in 12-month rotations.
Deputy Chief, Joint Effect Center (JEC)
This role coordinates KFOR’s outward-facing activities at the JEC and is primarily involved in civil-military cooperation. The assignment is shared on a six-month rotation between Sweden and Finland.
Advisor, NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT)
NATO’s advisory team supports the Ministry of the KSF, ensuring that the ministry remains under civilian and democratic control. Sweden staffs one advisory position.
Airport administrator
The airport administrator is responsible for IT equipment, security, inventory management, and procurement of new equipment. The role also involves issuing access permits for personnel at the airport and supporting the airport commander and flight operator. This position is staffed in six-month rotations.
The future
As Kosovo gradually gains the capability to assume full responsibility, international organizations will reduce and reorient their contributions to the country. While it is difficult to predict the exact course of developments, the international presence is expected to remain necessary for the foreseeable future. However, the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, which began on 19 April 2013, is a positive force that hopefully drives development in the entire Balkan region in the right direction.