Kurti: Our goal is beyond question—to defend the country and have Kosovo’s army join NATO

Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the Government of Kosovo plans to allocate more than 1 billion euros to the military during its current term. He stressed that strengthening the Kosovo Security Force remains one of the government’s top priorities, speaking at the oath-taking ceremony attended by 515 new soldiers.

According to Kurti, this is the largest contingent the Kosovo Security Force has ever recruited in its history.

Kurti: 515 new defenders of peace and freedom

In his address, Kurti said the ceremony was being held at the “Adem Jashari” barracks, a place that embodies Albanian resistance and the blood shed for liberation. He added that those present had gathered to celebrate a historic moment for the new soldiers, their families and the entire Republic of Kosovo, as 515 citizens took the oath to serve the state.

The prime minister described them as 515 additional weapons for defending the territory and 515 new pledges to protect national security. He reminded the soldiers that today’s freedom is the fruit of generations of struggle, in which people sacrificed everything for their country, and that their oath represents a firm rejection of every form of subjugation or captivity.

He also said that the sacrifice of those who fell for freedom obliges us to preserve historical truth, honor the just liberation struggle and take pride in it wherever we are.

Kurti underlined that the army is one of the state’s key foundations and that strengthening it is a shared responsibility, essential to ensuring the population’s security and safeguarding Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kurti: Our objective is clear—defending the homeland and integrating into NATO

The prime minister stressed that expanding and strengthening the army remains an unchanged priority for the government he leads. He recalled that the military budget was tripled during the previous term, and said the government has now pledged to invest more than 1 billion euros.

According to Kurti, 3,220 new soldiers have been recruited, doubling the force’s total number. Another generation will begin training this year, meaning that the military capabilities planned for 2028 are being achieved two years ahead of schedule. He added that the country has made arms purchases worth more than 430 million euros.

Kurti said air support is provided by Bayraktar drones and the Skyguard system, while more than 40 types of heavy and light weapons are available on the ground, all in line with NATO standards. He said the army is being continuously equipped and that there is a firm commitment to moving this process forward, with the ultimate goal of joining the North Atlantic Alliance.

Meanwhile, Besnik Thaçi, commander of the Basic Training Center of the Doctrine and Training Command, described the Kosovo Security Force as a professional, modern and inclusive force that symbolizes sovereignty and commitment to democratic values, and is a reliable partner for international allies.

Thaçi: From today, you carry the responsibility of the whole people’s trust

In his address, Thaçi said that from this day on, the new soldiers would wear not only the Kosovo Security Force uniform, but also the expectations of an entire nation, which looks to them for selfless service, professionalism, integrity, discipline and unwavering commitment.

He urged the recruits to keep duty, honor and homeland as the three guiding pillars in their hearts and minds, as exemplary citizens and competent service members. He said many opportunities lay ahead for professional advancement and for representing the state with dignity in every setting where they serve.

Thaçi concluded by thanking the soldiers’ families for their trust, as well as all the institutions that supported the completion of the training.