Switzerland seeks continuation of Swisscoy mission in Kosovo until 2029

"The deployment of Swiss soldiers within KFOR in Kosovo should be extended until 2029."

This is the position of the Security Policy Committee of the Council of States of Switzerland (CPS-S), which also agreed with the increase in the number of personnel.

According to the commission, the presence of KFOR and Swisscoy in Kosovo remains necessary, as the situation on the ground, especially in the northern part, continues to be fragile. A statement from the parliamentary services states that the CPS-S assesses that the presence of KFOR in the region is still necessary to contribute to maintaining stability in the Western Balkans.

"The stability of Kosovo and the Western Balkans is also in the interest of Switzerland, where around 500 people of Southeastern European origin live, of whom over 150 are of Kosovar origin," the CPS-S statement said. cdt.ch.

The CPS-S also supports increasing the number of Swiss soldiers from 195 to 215 units.

"The Federal Council should also have the authority, during the mandate, to increase the contingent by a maximum of 30 soldiers for an indefinite period, to enable it to cope, if necessary, with a future additional need for KFOR," the announcement states.

It is also envisaged that the Swiss contingent may be temporarily augmented by up to 50 soldiers for maintenance, including the maintenance of Swiss helicopters, as well as up to 20 additional soldiers for the security of the contingent.