Belgium to host Kosovo military representative in Brussels

Belgium will host a military representative from Kosovo in Brussels, defence minister Theo Francken announced during a visit to the Western Balkans on Thursday.

“Kosovo plays a key role in the stability of the Western Balkans. Our relationship has evolved over time and deserves to be strengthened. This is a strong signal of that”, the minister said in a statement.

The announcement follows the deployment, on 1 April, of a Benelux military detachment to NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR). The unit, under Luxembourgish command, includes five Belgian soldiers. 

Using a remotely piloted reconnaissance aircraft known as the Integrator, they monitor the administrative boundary between Kosovo and Serbia, where tensions regularly flare.

“With our deployment in Kosovo, Belgium is proving its active engagement”, Francken said. “We are making a tangible contribution on the ground while also taking diplomatic responsibility.”

Belgium has recognised Kosovo’s independence since 2008 and sees its involvement in the region as part of a broader European effort. “Stability in the Balkans means security for Europe”, the minister added.

KFOR has been present in Kosovo since 1999, following NATO’s intervention to halt a violent conflict between Serbian forces and the ethnic Albanian majority. The war led to widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Today, around 5,000 troops from 29 countries contribute to the mission, aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.

^{Defence minister Theo Francken at a recent NATO summit © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}