The Future of NATO Crisis-Response Operations: Lessons from Kosovo
Publisher: Filip Bryjka
Volume: 3 pages, pdf
Description:
In September the crisis on the Serbian-Kosovo border over new Serbian number plate regulations introduced by the Kosovo government led to protests by the Serbian community in the north of the country. About 200 protesters blocked border crossings with Serbia and attacked offices issuing the temporary markings. The Kosovo authorities deployed special police units to the border regions, to which Serbia responded by putting military units in the south of the country on combat alert and sending fighter jets, helicopters, and armoured vehicles to patrol the border. Further escalation was prevented by the actions of NATO forces and the involvement of EU diplomacy. KFOR increased the number and intensity of patrols and strengthened border control while the EU Special Envoy for the Western Balkans negotiated an agreement that temporarily defused the dispute and calmed the situation.