Further participation of the Bundeswehr in Kosovo (KFOR)

In its application, the federal government proposes to extend the Bundeswehr's deployment in Kosovo for another year. The Bundestag last voted on it in June 2024. As before, up to 400 German soldiers are expected to support the NATO-led KFOR mission. According to the application, their tasks include maintaining security and order, coordinating international humanitarian aid, supporting civilian missions and training local security forces to promote a stable, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. The Federal Government's central concern is a "comprehensive, sustainable, legally binding normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia" and, bilaterally with regard to Kosovo, political, constitutional and economic-social stabilization as well as support for rapprochement with the EU. There are growing tensions, particularly in the predominantly ethnic Serb north of Kosovo. The operation is intended to help ensure security and prevent the outbreak of armed conflict. The federal government estimates the costs for the additional operational expenditure to be around 38.9 million euros. There was a recommendation from the Foreign Affairs Committee for the Federal Government's application, which recommended approval. The Bundestag voted on the recommendation for a resolution. There was also a report from the Budget Committee, according to which the application was compatible with the current budget situation. The recommendation was approved with 391 yes votes. 189 MPs voted against, there were two abstentions from the ALLIANCE 90/THE GREENS faction. The federal government's application was therefore also approved.