Lunic: Strengthening KFOR forces is in the interest of Serbs in Kosovo

Geopolitical and security consultant Nikola Lunic stated that Slovakia’s return to the KFOR mission contributes to greater security and full coexistence of the Serbian community in Kosovo.

“Enhancing KFOR’s capabilities in Kosovo works in favor of the Serbian community, its security, and its full coexistence with all multinational communities,” Lunic told Kosovo Online.

Asked how Slovakia’s participation should be viewed, considering it is one of the five EU countries that have not recognized Kosovo, Lunic pointed out that Greece and Romania, also from that group, are part of KFOR.

“Slovakia currently contributes 42 soldiers, and Greece and Romania each have a company. This means our capabilities and interactions are increasing, both politically and militarily, in terms of understanding what is happening on the ground. And that is a great thing,” Lunic said.

He also sees Slovakia’s return to KFOR as a kind of victory for the Serbian leadership.

“I would have to praise our political leadership if they used their good relations with the top of Slovakia’s political administration and government to secure, or at least appeal to Bratislava to send this contingent. That is a great thing for Serbs in Kosovo,” Lunic emphasized.

However, he clarified that Slovakia currently lacks the political power to provide significant help to Serbia.

“Slovakia at this moment is not a factor that will reverse the stance of the international community or influence a change in the positions of the EU or NATO,” Lunic said.

Still, he added that, no matter how absurd it may seem to some, the NATO alliance currently holds the same position as Serbia regarding the formation of a Kosovo army.

“NATO does not support the formation of Kosovo’s armed forces. Quite the opposite, only certain countries support it. But we must take that into account when predicting future developments,” Lunic pointed out.

He reminded that as early as next month, a framework agreement on defense cooperation between Pristina and Washington is expected to be signed.

“Although this won’t lead to Kosovo’s integration into NATO, it will raise the level of cooperation between Washington and Kosovo, and sooner or later, that will become a problem for us,” Lunic warned.