25/08/2026
KFOR continues to fulfil its mandate, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, by contributing to maintain a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo, and freedom of movement; at all times, impartially, and in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), in their respective roles as security responders.
KFOR is currently undergoing a process to optimise its posture, as announced on 12 June 2026. This is to ensure that our mission remains fit for purpose. The optimisation process is being carried out in a transparent, consistent, calibrated and gradual fashion. The optimisation is being closely coordinated with the Institutions in Kosovo, international organisations, such as the EU, as well as the Kosovo Police, and the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. KFOR is engaging all stakeholders regularly on the process, including local counterparts as well as the Serbian Armed Forces. The process can be reversed, if warranted by relevant developments that could affect lasting security in Kosovo and regional stability.
"KFOR's commitment to the security of all people living in Kosovo is steadfast, as attested by a continued and visible presence of our personnel on the ground, including through regular patrols, observation posts and engagements with local communities," said Major General Özkan Ulutaş, Commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission. "As always, our daily activities will be conducted by taking into consideration the needs and concerns of all communities," he added. KFOR's presence will increase in some areas, including but not limited to North Mitrovica and northern Kosovo. KFOR will continue to assess the situation on the ground regularly and to maintain a posture designed to contribute to lasting security for all people living in Kosovo.
In this regard, the gradual transition of KFOR's permanent posture at the Ibar Bridge forms part of the wider optimisation process and reflects the improved security situation. "Decisions concerning KFOR's presence at the Mitrovica Bridge are based on our assessment of the security situation," said Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NATO's Allied Joint Force Command Naples - JFCNP. "KFOR does not have a mandate to determine whether the bridge should be opened or not. This is for EU and relevant Institutions in Kosovo to determine after KFOR concludes its permanent presence on the bridge."
"KFOR personnel," he pointed out, "will remain present in the surrounding areas."
Law enforcement is not part of KFOR's mandate. However, KFOR continues to cooperate closely with the security organisations in Kosovo, including the Kosovo Police, in accordance with the highest operational standards, and the principle of fair and equitable treatment of all communities.
The Kosovo Police is a lawful local law-enforcement institution whose institutional origins derive from the policing framework established under UNMIK authority, pursuant to UNSCR 1244. Its capabilities and responsibilities have evolved within that framework, and today it acts as the first security responder for civil law enforcement and public safety. This role predates the current KFOR optimisation process, which does not constitute a transfer of KFOR's mandate or responsibilities to Kosovo Police. KFOR retains its separate security mandate under UNSCR 1244 of 1999, and will continue to implement this long-standing mandate, fully and impartially.
