Petritsch: Kosovo should strengthen its role in security amid pressure on NATO

Former senior Austrian diplomat Wolfgang Petritsch assessed that the possibility of some NATO troops being withdrawn from Kosovo is also linked to the heavy pressure the alliance is facing from Washington.

In a statement to RTK, he said Washington has already made public the United States’ intention to reduce its military presence in Europe, stressing that such a development would clearly also affect Kosovo.

Petritsch underlined that Kosovo must move forward in addressing outstanding issues and at the same time prepare to take on more responsibility for security by gradually increasing its defense capabilities.

According to him, the country will have to take responsibility for its own security, become a security provider for Kosovo and the region, and turn into a stabilizing factor.

He also criticized the role Kosovo currently plays in relation to regional stability, stressing that the country must become a more constructive partner in Europe.

In conclusion, the former Austrian diplomat said Kosovo must become a constructive partner in Europe.