Politics

Pristina, 11 March 2025 – The NATO Secretary General, together with representatives of the North Atlantic Council and KFOR operational partners, today paid an official visit to Pristina. He was received by the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, with whom he discussed the security situation in Kosovo and the region. The Secretary General emphasized that his presence and that of NATO representatives in Kosovo is a concrete testament to the Alliance’s commitment to the stability of the country and the region. “NATO has supported peace and security in the Western Balkans for 30 years and our commitment remains strong today,” he said. He praised the role of KFOR as NATO’s largest and longest-running mission, operating under a United Nations mandate. During his speech, he praised the work of KFOR troops under the leadership of General Enrico Barduani, saying that they continue to work with dedication to ensure a safe and secure environment for all communities in Kosovo. He also mentioned the support that NATO provides to Kosovo’s security institutions through the Advisory and Liaison Team, which helps in capacity building, education and coordination of training. The Secretary General stressed that security in the Western Balkans is linked to the stability of the entire Euro-Atlantic region. He warned that “decades of hard-won peace must not be jeopardized”, adding that KFOR is fully prepared to respond to any security developments in Kosovo. He reiterated the importance of close cooperation between Pristina and KFOR, as part of NATO’s long-term commitment to stability in the region. In his speech, he stressed the importance of finding a sustainable peace and that NATO strongly supports the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, facilitated by the European Union. “The only solution to the outstanding issues and a secure future is through dialogue, where the rights of all communities are respected and protected,” he said. In this context, he called on both sides to show flexibility and make the necessary compromises to advance the normalization process. “I know these are difficult decisions, but we must focus on the long-term benefits. Normalization brings greater stability, more investment and sustainable security for the entire region,” he added. At the end of the visit, the NATO Secretary General thanked President Osmani for the hospitality and constructive discussions, emphasizing that NATO will continue to play a key role in supporting security and stability in Kosovo and the Western Balkans.

At a press conference following the LDK Presidency meeting, its chairman, Lumir Abdixhiku, reiterated the party’s position regarding participation in governance. “Our electoral and pre-electoral position has been that the LDK will not be part of any government without the position of prime minister. This continues to be our position now,” Abdixhiku stressed. He also underlined that the LDK is not interested in forming a short-term government and that political stability is an essential condition for guaranteeing stable governance. “We have also said that LDK does not intend and will not work for a short-term government. Without resolving the basic issue of the President, which determines the next national elections in Kosovo, LDK does not believe that there will be government stability and is not interested in short-term governments at all,” Abdixhiku declared. This position of LDK comes at a time when the political discourse in Kosovo is focused on the possibility of creating government coalitions.

French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested opening strategic discussions on the possibility of expanding French nuclear defense to European allies. In a televised speech on Wednesday, he stressed that France’s nuclear capabilities remain sovereign, but he is ready to discuss their role in guaranteeing European security. The initiative comes amid concerns about the United States’ commitment to Europe’s defense. Germany’s incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that NATO could undergo changes by June and has called for a deeper review of French and British nuclear defenses as possible alternatives. As the European Union’s only nuclear power, France has about 290 nuclear warheads. Macron has stressed that the decision to use them will remain exclusively in the hands of the French president, reaffirming the country’s strategic autonomy. The proposal has provoked mixed reactions. Poland and the Baltic states have welcomed the idea, seeing it as an important step towards strengthening European defense. Meanwhile, Russia has condemned the initiative, calling it too confrontational.