As the Kosovo Force (KFOR) marked its 25th anniversary in Kosovo this week, Italian President Sergio Mattarella delivered a stark warning about the continued risk of external intervention in the Balkans.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mattarella emphasized the importance of KFOR’s role in maintaining stability in the region, pointing out the fragile nature of peace in Kosovo and the surrounding countries.
External risks remain high
“The risk of intervention from outside the Balkans remains very high,” Mattarella said, underlining the continuing vulnerability of the region to foreign involvement. His comments come at a time when Kosovo’s relationship with Serbia and other regional tensions are still unresolved.
Mattarella praised KFOR’s ongoing efforts, saying that without the peacekeeping force, Kosovo would have likely experienced violent outbursts that could have devastated the country. “In recent years, KFOR has prevented violence that could have destroyed the region,” he remarked, emphasizing the force’s vital role in keeping peace and stability.
The role of KFOR
KFOR, deployed in Kosovo since 1999 following the NATO-led bombing campaign, has been tasked with ensuring the safety of Kosovo’s population and facilitating dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Over the years, it has worked to prevent violence and encourage peaceful political processes.
While tensions persist, Mattarella noted the professionalism of KFOR troops, who continue to monitor the complex situation with great care. He stressed that KFOR’s mission has been a success in preventing major conflict, despite the ongoing challenges faced by the region.
The importance of international support
Mattarella’s remarks also pointed to the critical role of international organizations, such as NATO and the EU, in supporting long-term peace in the Balkans. He noted that as Kosovo continues to strengthen its institutions and move towards greater sovereignty, the backing of these organizations—through diplomatic efforts, economic support, and security guarantees—remains essential.
He also stressed that despite the ongoing threat of external intervention, Kosovo’s future stability depends on the continued engagement of international actors who must ensure that peacekeeping efforts, like those of KFOR, are sustained and that any external challenges to Kosovo’s sovereignty are effectively addressed.
