KFOR, NATO’s mission in Kosovo, today began the step-by-step integration of Kosovo Police officers into its security architecture at the Deçan Monastery.

In a statement, the mission said the initiative is linked to the improvement of the security situation in Kosovo and is part of the process to optimize KFOR’s positioning.

KFOR clarified that the process will be carried out gradually and depending on conditions, while being closely coordinated with several stakeholders. These include representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Kosovo’s institutions, the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo.

The NATO mission emphasized that its commitment to protecting the Deçan Monastery and ensuring the security of all local communities remains unwavering.

According to KFOR, its troops have been deployed in positions that enable them to respond to any significant development, in accordance with the mandate established by the United Nations.

The mission also stressed that KFOR continues to be the first responder for the security of the Deçan Monastery.

KFOR announced that it will continue close coordination with representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Kosovo’s institutions, international organizations and the Serbian Armed Forces.

According to the mission, this cooperation aims to preserve transparency, a spirit of cooperation and mutual trust, as well as prevent misunderstandings.

The statement emphasized that it is important for all parties to engage constructively in dialogue and cooperation.

KFOR recalled that it continues to fulfill its mandate in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, helping to ensure a safe environment for all citizens of Kosovo and guaranteeing freedom of movement.

The mission said it carries out this task impartially and in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and EULEX, with each acting according to its designated role as a responder in the field of security.

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Jeton Zulfaj, Kosovo’s chief negotiator for talks with the European Union, stressed that the path to EU membership is a collective effort involving all institutions, although the main coordinating responsibility rests with the dedicated integration mechanisms.

In a social media post, he explained that the daily activity of integration officials remains largely invisible to the public and consists of exchanging hundreds of electronic messages, processing dozens of documents, as well as phone calls and meetings to internationalize the work between institutions.

Zulfaj said that during a meeting with these professionals, he expressed gratitude for their contribution and discussed the obstacles and potential that the European journey presents.

According to him, human resources simultaneously determine difficulties and opportunities. He sees as a challenge the fact that implementing reforms requires qualified teams covering each sector within the 33 negotiating chapters with the EU, which touch every dimension of existence.

He pointed out that real transformation comes precisely from continuous reforms, legislation, and secondary regulations harmonized with the EU acquis, which consolidate democracy, drive national progress, and raise the quality of life for citizens.

In conclusion, Zulfaj praised the dedication of the integration staff, noting that most of them are scholarship recipients for studies in disciplines directly related to the European agenda.

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In a written response, the spokesperson emphasized that the EU has consistently asked Serbia to encourage this process, while Kosovo should pave the way for the reintegration of Serbian justice employees, respecting the dialogue agreements and domestic legislation. Brussels also called on both sides to create the appropriate conditions for implementing obligations and to avoid actions that would further complicate the situation.

The mass abandonment of institutions by Serb representatives occurred at the end of November 2022, in reaction to the Kosovo government’s decision to ban the use of license plates issued by Serbia and to convert them to those of the Republic of Kosovo. During that period, in addition to police officers and municipal officials, nearly 130 judges, prosecutors, and administrative staff from the four northern municipalities—North Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zvečan, and Zubin Potok—also submitted their resignations.

The issue of unresolved resignations became topical again in mid-June, when acting President Albulena Haxhiu addressed the Judicial Council and the Prosecutorial Council of Kosovo, demanding the prompt finalization of the relevant procedures. She argued that delays in handling these cases are hindering the regular functioning of the justice system.

The Judicial Council confirmed to Radio Free Europe that it received the letter on June 19 and will review the matter in one of the upcoming sessions, acting within the competencies defined by the constitution and law. Meanwhile, the Prosecutorial Council did not provide any comment on the issue.

The initiative for the collective withdrawal of Serbs from Kosovo’s state structures came from the Serb List and was supported by officials in Belgrade. Those who resigned were provided with temporary contracts and continued to receive salaries from the Serbian budget. However, some of those who did not align with the Serb List lost both this income and the opportunity to return to their previous positions.

After a series of crises in the north, including the armed attack in Banjska against the Kosovo Police in 2023, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed support for the return of Serbs to the police ranks and to judicial bodies. The Serb List also, ahead of last year’s local elections, admitted that the abandonment of institutions had been a mistake.

On the other hand, the authorities in Pristina, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, have maintained that the return issue should not be treated as a political topic but as a strictly legal and constitutional process.

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