Switzerland plans to extend and enlarge Kosovo military presence
More Swiss troops will be drafted into peace-keeping duties in Kosovo if parliament approves a request from the government to increase the Swisscoy military contingent by another 30 personnel.
The governing Federal Council said on Wednesday that it wants both to extend Swisscoy’s missionExternal link beyond the end of 2020 and to beef up its forces to 195 troops. It warns that the situation in Kosovo has recently become less stable amid rising tensions with neighbouring Balkan country Serbia.
While there are no immediate fears of conflict breaking out, the Swiss government believes extra support of the NATO-led international peacekeeping force KFOR is necessary to keep order.
Swiss troops have been based in the region since an initial deployment of 160 personnel in 1999. This number grew to 235 before being downsized to the current level of 160. Parliament must approve any deployment of Swiss military abroad that exceeds 100 personnel. Since 2002, soldiers have been allowed to carry weapons abroad.
Between 2005 and 2017, Switzerland spent an average of CHF38.7 million ($38.72 million) a year on its Swisscoy mission, with costs rising to a peak of CHF43.7 million in 2017, before the contingent was downsized.
Swisscoy’s presence in Kosovo also has a domestic impact with around 200,000 people of Kosovar descent living in Switzerland.
More
More
Decades after war, Kosovo shapes up with Swiss support
This content was published on
Twenty years after the end of the war in Kosovo, the young republic still faces serious challenges, but there are many signs of progress.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
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.
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.
Read more
More
Decades after war, Kosovo shapes up with Swiss support
This content was published on
Twenty years after the end of the war in Kosovo, the young republic still faces serious challenges, but there are many signs of progress.
Parliament extends Swiss peacekeeping mission in Kosovo
This content was published on
Following the Senate in March, the House of Representatives has approved the extension of the Swisscoy peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.
This content was published on
The Senate clearly endorsed a government proposal for a three-year extension and gradually limiting the troops to 165 members from 235. The other parliamentary chamber, the House of Representatives, still has to discuss the bill. Most speakers on Monday stressed the importance of the NATO-led international peacekeepers to stabilise the Balkan region which split off…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
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.