Vergori takes command of KFOR as NATO says security in Kosovo continues to improve and the Western Balkans remains strategic

Following yesterday’s handover ceremony for KFOR’s command, NATO issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the mission and to stability in the region. The Alliance said the security situation in Kosovo has remained generally stable and continued to improve, while emphasizing the Western Balkans’ strategic importance to NATO.

At a ceremony held on October 14, 2026, at KFOR headquarters in Pristina, Italian Major General Roberto Vergori took command of the NATO-led mission, replacing Major General Özkan Ulutaş of Türkiye. Admiral George M. Wikoff, commander of NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Naples, presided over the event in the presence of representatives of Kosovo’s institutions and the international community.

During the handover, Admiral Wikoff praised Major General Ulutaş’s service and leadership and welcomed the new commander, Major General Vergori. Congratulating Ulutaş on his work during two terms in command of KFOR, he highlighted his cooperation with communities across Kosovo and his efforts to strengthen relations with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX).

According to Wikoff, Ulutaş had carried out his duties with initiative, adaptability and selfless dedication to both the mission and the personnel under his command. The admiral also honored the sacrifices of KFOR personnel and their families.

Speaking about KFOR’s continuous work to support a safe and secure environment for every community in Kosovo, Wikoff addressed the mission’s ongoing optimization, a process aimed at making it as effective as possible. He expressed confidence in Vergori’s leadership, reaffirmed the support of Allied Joint Force Command Naples and thanked Roberto for accepting the responsibility.

For his part, Major General Ulutaş said KFOR had maintained a clear objective throughout: to help ensure long-term security for all residents and communities in Kosovo and freedom of movement, in line with its longstanding UN mandate. He added that the mission had continued to support the EU-facilitated Belgrade–Pristina dialogue.

Major General Vergori, meanwhile, underscored KFOR personnel’s deep commitment to carrying out the UN mandate. He linked that commitment to helping create conditions in which younger generations can, in the future, fully benefit from lasting peace, democracy and prosperity.

In NATO’s assessment, security in Kosovo has been generally stable and has continued to improve. The Alliance announced in June that KFOR’s presence and organization would be optimized so the mission could remain fit to carry out its tasks.

That process is continuing and calls for KFOR’s structure and capabilities to be adjusted gradually and in a calibrated manner over the coming year. The changes are guided by developments on the ground and are reversible if the security situation makes that necessary.

The statement describes the Western Balkans as a region of strategic importance to NATO and reiterates that the Alliance’s commitment to regional stability remains unwavering. KFOR continues to work for the long-term security of all people and communities in Kosovo and to ensure freedom of movement, in accordance with its longstanding UN mandate, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999.

At all times, KFOR carries out its mission impartially and in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), respecting their respective responsibilities as security responders.