Government on Wednesday proposed not only an extension of Swisscoy’s mandate, but also a boost in numbers: given the volatile situation, the mission should also have the possibility to bring in up to 30 new soldiers, ministers saidExternal link.
The Russian war against Ukraine has raised the security risks across Europe, including in the Balkans, the government wrote. Should NATO members be forced to concentrate more on the situation in the East, they might end up reducing their contribution to KFOR; in such a scenario, neutral and non-NATO member Switzerland would be able to take up some of the slack in the peacekeeping mission, the government said.
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SWISSCOY: more female recruits for more peace
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Women are still a minority in peacekeeping operations. The Swiss armed forces’ contingent in Kosovo shows just how important their role can be.
In January 2022, KFOR was made up of around 3,800 soldiers from 28 different countries (both NATO and non-NATO members). The force is charged with creating and maintaining a secure environment in Kosovo, monitoring developments in Kosovo and supporting international humanitarian efforts and civilian forces.
The current Swisscoy contingent includes up to 195 soldiers, with a 2022 budget of CHF40.9 million ($43.35 million). Switzerland has been part of the KFOR mission since 1999.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
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A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
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Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
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In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
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An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
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Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
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Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
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Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
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Swiss keep an eye on tensions in Kosovo
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Things are tense in northern Kosovo as a deadline approaches for Serbs to swap their Belgrade-issued number plates for local ones.
Parliament extends and beefs up Swiss peacekeeping mission in Kosovo
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Lawmakers in Switzerland have approved an extension to the Swisscoy peacekeeping mission in Kosovo until the end of 2023. The armed peacekeeping force will also be strengthened.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.