Ibishi: It is not ruled out that Kosovo introduces mandatory military service; it would be an obligation for all citizens

Security expert Nuredin Ibishi stated for Kosovo Online that it was not ruled out for Kosovo to introduce mandatory military service, and it was up to the authorities to assess the possibilities and the security situation.

Ibishi assessed that due to new threats, tensions in the region, the war in Ukraine, and the Gaza Strip, Kosovo might decide to introduce mandatory military service.

"Just as the Baltic countries introduced mandatory military service, I expect Kosovo to do the same, just as Serbia announced that it would introduce military service. Prime Minister Albin Kurti's concept was to introduce mandatory military service initially as voluntary and later assess the possibility of mandatory military service," Ibishi said.

The decision on mandatory military service is made on a national basis, Ibishi claims, according to the possibilities and the assessment of the security situation.

"It is a matter of the state's assessment, but also in relation to its capabilities. Now, how do allies and countries in the region view this, I think there are different comments because most countries have now switched to a professional army. So, due to new threats, it is more a matter for the state to deal with assessments and possibilities according to the situation to introduce mandatory military service. Comments are different in the sense that it is a significant expense to have regular military service in addition to the existing professional army, but that concept is still in the proposal stage, and I think it will be resolved in the foreseeable future," Ibishi said.

When asked if he expects the Serbian population to respond if mandatory military service is introduced in Kosovo, Ibishi emphasizes that initially, it will be on a voluntary basis, but that it will change in the later stages.

"Probably, it will be an obligation for all citizens of Kosovo, both Serbs and all other communities. It will probably apply to everyone," Ibishi noted.

He believes that in the coming period, the pressure will still be directed towards resolving the agreed-upon agreements.

"There are many statements that this year will be election-oriented, but the existing government still has a mandate. So, there will be more pressure to resolve the pending agreements, which are quite challenging," Ibishi said.