Experts assess the potential impact of a permanent US base at Bondsteel on Kosovo’s security

Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has reiterated his request for Camp Bondsteel to be converted into a permanent United States military base in Kosovo.

During a meeting in New York with US Congressman George Latimer, Kurti discussed this issue, as well as security, cooperation between Kosovo and the United States, and Kosovo’s goal of joining NATO.

According to the prime minister, establishing a permanent US military presence would contribute to the region’s long-term peace, stability and security.

Kurti described the United States as an important ally of Kosovo, also highlighting the bipartisan support that, according to him, the country enjoys in the US Congress.

“I reiterated our position that Camp Bondsteel should be converted into a permanent US military base, in the service of peace, stability and long-term security in the region.”

Security expert Arben Dashevci described this possibility as a major success for Kosovo. According to him, a permanent US base would contribute to greater security and long-term stability in the region.

Speaking to “Bota sot,” Dashevci emphasized that Kosovo considers the United States a strategic ally and continues to aspire to NATO membership.

“The conversion of Bondsteel into a permanent US military base is a longstanding and ongoing request of the Republic of Kosovo. We have discussed this issue with Congressman George Latimer, as well as with many congressmen and senators from the United States, along with Kosovo’s aspiration to join NATO.

The Republic of Kosovo is a strategic ally and partner of the United States in every respect. The presence of a permanent base would mean full security in the face of any potential security challenge.

The conversion of Camp Bondsteel into a permanent US military base, in the service of peace, stability and long-term security in the region, would be a major achievement for Kosovo. Our country has faced numerous security challenges, particularly from Serbia and its destructive approach toward Kosovo,” Dashevci said.

The expert believes that a permanent US presence would provide a greater guarantee for Kosovo’s security.

“Camp Bondsteel is, in my opinion, the security umbrella for us as a state.

Bondsteel must definitely be converted into a permanent US military base, because such a presence would enhance Kosovo’s security.

A permanent US Bondsteel in the Republic of Kosovo would undoubtedly be an even greater guarantee for the country’s security,” he stressed.

Prof. Dr. Muhamet Racaj also assessed that converting Bondsteel into a permanent US base would enhance security and deterrence in Kosovo. However, in his conversation with “Bota sot,” he emphasized that the country’s security must simultaneously rely on KFOR, the Kosovo Security Force (FSK), and Euro-Atlantic integration.

“The conversion of Bondsteel into a permanent US base would be of great strategic importance for Kosovo and the region. The permanent presence of the United States would strengthen deterrence and send a clear message to anyone attempting to destabilize Kosovo.

Nevertheless, Kosovo’s security cannot rely solely on one military base. It must be built on the presence of KFOR, the strategic partnership with the United States, the strengthening of the FSK, and Euro-Atlantic integration,” Racaj said.

Racaj added that a permanent US Bondsteel would have a significant impact on Kosovo’s security and deterrence, but he distinguished between such a presence and the guarantee provided by Article 5 of NATO.

“A permanent US presence would significantly increase deterrence and Kosovo’s security. However, an important distinction must be made: a permanent US presence is not automatically equivalent to the guarantee under Article 5 of NATO, since Kosovo is still not a member of the Alliance.

A permanent US Bondsteel would be a very important pillar of Kosovo’s security, but the most sustainable long-term guarantee remains the country’s integration into NATO and the strengthening of its strategic partnership with the United States.

The US presence, a strong KFOR, a professional FSK, and the Euro-Atlantic perspective must work together as part of a stable security architecture,” Racaj concluded in his response to “Bota sot.”