Lithuania to send troops, security officers to Kosovo

Lithuania is sending nine officers from the Public Security Service’s Rapid Response and Counterattack Team to Kosovo to assist the Balkan country as it prepares for next month’s parliamentary election.

The Lithuanian officers will take part in activities of the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR) and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) to help ensure stability and security in the region, the Public Security Service said on Friday.

“In light of potential security risks, EULEX formally requested EUROGENDFOR to deploy a new formed police unit,” the service said.

“The unit, acting as a second security responder, will ensure that the Kosovo police have all necessary support in the event of possible unrest,” it added.

The Lithuanian officers, who are set to leave on Sunday, will work alongside their counterparts from France, Italy, Portugal, and Poland to respond to disturbances and armed attacks, as well as to reinforce security during the election period.

Kosovo’s parliamentary election is scheduled for February 9.

More troops to NATO mission

Lithuania will also send more troops to NATO’s Kosovo mission, Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said on Friday.

“One of the decisions made is to increase the mandate for [...] the NATO operation in Kosovo; we’re planning to contribute a platoon-sized unit,” Šakalienė said after the State Defense Council’s meeting.

“This is especially important for our German partners. We want to strengthen cooperation in this area and demonstrate our ability to participate in international operations, because you can’t just take, you also have to give,” she added.

A platoon typically consists of around 30 personnel.

Lithuania had previously planned to send up to five military and civilian personnel to the multinational operation.

Vilnius and Berlin have been actively cooperating in defence since 2017, when Germany took the lead of the NATO battalion stationed in Lithuania.

Lithuania has also purchased a significant amount of military equipment from Germany.

Berlin is expected to deploy a 5,000-strong brigade to Lithuania by 2027.

Since 2012, Lithuanian troops have participated in international operations, including NATO-led missions in Turkey, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries.