Latvia’s Participation in NATO’s International Operation in Kosovo: Importance for EU Security and Integration

In order to promote the internal and external security of the European Union, as well as its meaningful expansion and integration, it is important to continue Latvia’s participation in the international operation, as expressed in the annotation of the draft decision.

Currently, soldiers from 20 NATO member states and seven of its partner countries are serving in NATO’s international operation in Kosovo. Currently, Latvia participates in the multi-national battalion led by the United States of America as part of one light infantry company.

The main tasks of the Latvian contingent are patrolling, protecting its own forces and maintaining combat capabilities (self-training), and performing the tasks of the rapid reaction forces.

Although, in general, the political, economic, ethnic and security situation in Kosovo has improved significantly compared to 1999, it can still be described as unstable and fragile, moreover, it is aggravated by the serious political tension with Serbia. This makes it difficult for Kosovo to integrate into the European Union and other international organizations, says the annotation of the draft decision.

Latvia also participated in this operation from February 2000 to August 2009 with units of various sizes and specialties. The decision to resume participation was made by Latvia in 2020, responding to the call of the Deputy Commander of NATO’s Supreme High Command in Europe, the Ministry of Defense said.

CONTEXT:

Serbia lost control of predominantly Albanian Kosovo in 1999 following NATO’s military intervention in the Kosovo conflict, but in 2008 Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia.

Serbia still considers Kosovo part of its territory. Belgrade’s position is supported by its ally Russia.

Kosovo’s independence has been recognized by 22 of the 27 European Union member states, including Latvia. Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Romania and Slovakia have not done so.

Another flare-up of tension in Kosovo is that Kosovo’s ethnic Serb minority boycotted local elections in April, which put Albanians in control of local councils, even though voter turnout was less than 3.5%. Then, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti appointed the mayors last week, ignoring Serbian opposition and calls not to do so from the European Union and the United States.

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2023-09-07 13:03:34
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