Barduani: Security situation calm, but with constant potential for escalation

KFOR Commander, Italian General Enrico Barduani, assessed that the situation in Kosovo is generally calm, but still fragile with a constant potential for escalation. In an interview with Kosova Press, Barduani refused to comment on allegations of Serbia's involvement in events in Banjska, as well as the explosion at the Ibar-Lepenac canal, and reiterated KFOR's stance on why it is not the time to open the main bridge on the Ibar.

He emphasized that he is in constant communication with the Serbian military authorities, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army, General Milan Mojsilovic.

How do you assess the security situation in Kosovo?

The security situation is generally calm, but it remains fragile, with a constant potential for escalation due to unresolved issues and a series of challenges, including those resulting from the spread of misinformation across the region. The recent attack on the Ibar-Lepenac water canal highlights the vulnerability of Kosovo's security situation. As the commander of KFOR, my priority is to ensure that KFOR remains committed to continuing to provide a safe environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo, impartially and at all times, in accordance with our long-term mandate based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999. We continue to work closely with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), in their respective security roles. KFOR remains vigilant, maintaining a visible and flexible presence throughout Kosovo to prevent any possible escalation, and works tirelessly every day in synergy with all interested parties of the international community to support the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina mediated by the EU. This is the framework for addressing open issues and achieving solutions that respect the rights of all communities, which is crucial for sustainable security across Kosovo and regional stability.

There is still no accountability for the terrorist attack in Banjska. What do you think about Serbia's involvement in the September 24 attack?

What happened in Banjska was unacceptable, and NATO has repeatedly demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice. Additionally, KFOR has a mandate to maintain a stable and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo. Our mandate does not include law enforcement activities. Therefore, I will not comment on a case that is still under investigation. I will leave that to the competent authorities.

Has KFOR taken additional measures to increase the security level in areas inhabited by Serbs in Kosovo?

Our primary goal remains the prevention of any outbreak of violence or disorder, a goal we strive for daily through regular patrols and engagement with local communities across Kosovo. In response to current security challenges, KFOR has intensified its patrols in northern Kosovo, particularly in areas that may be more susceptible to further attacks, such as critical infrastructure. Additionally, starting in early 2025, KFOR will closely cooperate with Kosovo security organizations and the international community to support security related to the upcoming elections, at the beginning of next year. If the situation requires it, NATO also has the option to immediately reinforce KFOR through various reserve units, with a very short lead time. Overall, KFOR is equipped, resourced, and fully prepared to handle any events that may affect the security situation across Kosovo, in accordance with our UN mandate.

Why is KFOR against opening the Ibar bridge? According to the Brussels Agreements, the bridge was supposed to be opened in 2019, while the Kosovo police say there is no evidence of increased tensions in the case of opening the bridge on the Ibar.

KFOR's stance on the Ibar bridge has always been clear, consistent, and transparent: any decision in this direction must be made through dialogue and with timely and effective coordination with the international community. In the meantime, KFOR will maintain its constant presence on the bridge and continue to conduct regular patrols in the surrounding areas. Additionally, we have recently conducted training exercises to increase KFOR's readiness to respond to any crisis. I want to emphasize that opening the bridge is a political, not a military issue. Also, any opening will only be possible when certain conditions guarantee acceptance of this measure by all involved actors.

What will be KFOR's position if the Kosovo Police is asked to withdraw troops from the Ibar River?

As previously stated, any decision regarding the bridge must be made through political dialogue and in timely and effective coordination with the international community. The withdrawal of KFOR troops would be linked to such a decision and a full assessment of the security situation. This would also require appropriate authorization from higher NATO commands.

Serbia has used monasteries to arm Kosovo Serbs. Such warnings have also been issued by British MP Alicia Kearns. Are there other cases?

This issue falls within the realm of law enforcement and therefore is outside the scope of KFOR. I suggest you ask the Kosovo Police for any comments.

What measures has KFOR taken in the case of threats in the north and conflicts with armed groups?

As I've already mentioned, especially after the violent events of 2023, KFOR carefully monitors the situation in northern Kosovo. We specifically look for triggers that could lead to potential threats. With this, I am confident that we are in a good position to respond to any security challenge, including in northern Kosovo. Our presence there is undoubtedly a powerful deterrent; we continuously patrol to maintain our awareness and have measures and plans in place to address any potential crisis scenario. We will always ensure that our mission remains well-equipped and well-positioned to continue carrying out our long-standing UN mandate.

How do you see the deployment of additional Serbian troops near the Kosovo border?

I am in constant communication with the Serbian military authorities, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army, General Milan Mojsilovic. So far, the Serbian Army has always informed KFOR of all its activities near the administrative border line. I have every reason to expect that this will continue, and I believe in their continued cooperation in this regard. Simultaneously, KFOR continues to be present and monitor any activity along the administrative border line, in accordance with our UN mandate.

What has been the cooperation like with the police and KSF?

We currently have a good working relationship with the Kosovo security organizations. We have developed good coordination with the Kosovo Police, within our respective mandates as security responsible. Although KFOR does not have a law enforcement mandate, we are always vigilant and always ready to intervene when there are serious threats to the security and stability of Kosovo. For this reason, KFOR regularly collaborates with the Kosovo Police and EULEX, and conducts regular training exercises to ensure readiness to intervene when necessary, and in full cooperation with other security actors. Since 2016, the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT) – which is separate from KFOR – has been supporting the development of the KSF, within its original civil protection mandate, through capacity building, education, and training coordination. I will finish by commenting on a very important point that should be clear to everyone. According to existing commitments with Kosovo, the deployment of the Kosovo Security Forces in northern Kosovo requires prior consent from KFOR. We appreciate Kosovo's continuous respect for this obligation, especially in times of heightened tensions. The Kosovo Police, including its specialized units, can operate throughout Kosovo without the need for KFOR's consent. However, we expect timely and meaningful consultations on any actions by the Kosovo Security Forces or the Kosovo Police that may affect the security environment and have direct implications for regional stability.

Under what conditions do you consider that KFOR's mission is fulfilled?

KFOR has achieved great success over the past 25 years, managing to reduce its position and troops from about 50,000 in 1999 to 4,300 today. However, the role and mission of KFOR remain crucial. Work still needs to be done to ensure that the necessary conditions are met for maintaining a safe and stable environment, including those that are primarily of a political nature. I expressly refer to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and the importance of its progress. Therefore, KFOR will continue its duty to guarantee safety for all people living in Kosovo; and with our daily presence and activities across Kosovo, we will continue to create space for political dialogue to ensure a long-term solution to remaining issues.