Milenkovic: Rutte will likely convey that despite global changes, NATO’s policy toward the region remains unchanged

Marko Milenkovic from the NGO New Social Initiative told Kosovo Online that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who is visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina today and Kosovo tomorrow, is likely coming to send a message that NATO wants to remain present in the region as the primary security initiative and that, despite ongoing global changes, its policy toward the region remains unchanged.

"I believe that the NATO Secretary General is coming because of the security challenges in the region, primarily in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but potentially here in Kosovo as well. However, at this moment, I think Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing greater security challenges due to recent events over the past few weeks. I believe the primary focus will be on Bosnia and Herzegovina and what can be changed there, but Kosovo remains an issue not only for NATO but also for the international community," Milenkovic stated.

According to him, NATO remains concerned about security in Kosovo.

"Especially given the unstable political situation here, the lack of progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and the lack of constructive engagement from Pristina’s political representatives toward the international community in recent times. This is a concern for the entire international community, not just NATO representatives," Milenkovic explained.

He believes that Rutte’s visit to Kosovo could also address the potential withdrawal of US troops from KFOR.

"Not only in terms of troop withdrawal but also from a political standpoint, as both the Kosovo administration and the international community have been accustomed to strong support from the US administration and the State Department. This is likely to change in the near future, so it is important to consider the political aspect as well, because the possible reduction of a key international actor’s presence on Kosovo at its current level is a concern for some parties," Milenkovic noted.

Regarding potential messages from Kosovo representatives to Rutte, Milenkovic believes that Kosovo is currently in a transitional political period and that he does not expect any significant political statements. He also pointed out that in previous meetings, not only with NATO representatives but also with other international officials, Kosovo’s leaders have focused primarily on Serbia rather than internal Kosovo issues, a pattern particularly evident with Albin Kurti.

"Even some international representatives have pointed out, and it is a fact, that Albin Kurti dedicates more attention in meetings with international officials to the potential threat he perceives from Serbia than to the internal challenges and problems that Kosovo faces. Kosovo has certainly had such challenges, particularly with KFOR on the ground. In 2023, the number of KFOR troops was increased due to a challenging security situation and inadequate cooperation between KFOR and the authorities in Pristina," Milenkovic emphasized.