Portugal and Lithuania have sent a combined force of 38 personnel to Kosovo as part of an international mission to support stability during the upcoming parliamentary elections. The deployment underscores their commitment to maintaining peace and promoting democratic values in the region.
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| Map of Europe where in orange color are Portugal below and Lithuania above and in green color is Kosovo |
Portugal's Contribution
Portugal has deployed 29 members of the National Republican Guard (GNR) to join an international reserve force commanded by a Portuguese major. The six-month mission is aimed at ensuring stability in Kosovo during the election period.
A send-off ceremony was held at the GNR Intervention Unit in Pontinha (Odivelas), attended by the institution’s General Commander Rui Veloso, Minister of Internal Administration Margarida Blasco, and Secretary of State for Internal Administration Telmo Correia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Veloso expressed confidence in the mission’s success and highlighted Portugal's commitment to democratic values. “The soldiers of this contingent will honor Portugal’s name, demonstrating that we are a great nation in values and causes we defend,” he said.
Minister Blasco echoed this sentiment, expressing “full confidence in the mission’s success” and emphasizing Portugal’s dedication to contributing to international peace efforts.
Lithuania’s Contribution
Lithuania has dispatched nine officers from the Rapid Reaction and Counterattack Team of the Public Security Service to Kosovo. The Lithuanian officers will participate in operations led by the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR) and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).
According to the Public Security Service, this deployment responds to EULEX’s request for an additional formed police unit due to potential security risks during the election period. The Lithuanian officers will work alongside counterparts from France, Italy, Portugal, and Poland to address potential unrest or armed attacks, bolstering security during this critical time.
The Role of the Reserve Force
The reserve force, known as the Specialized Police Unit Reserve (NJPSR), will operate under the framework of EULEX Kosovo. The unit includes 29 Portuguese GNR soldiers, 22 from the French National Gendarmerie, 24 Italian Carabinieri, and nine Lithuanian special forces officers.
As a second-line responder, the NJPSR is tasked with providing critical support to Kosovo’s police forces in the event of disturbances or security challenges. This collaborative effort aims to ensure a secure environment for the elections and reinforce Kosovo’s stability during the political transition.
International Collaboration for Stability
This mission highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing security concerns in regions undergoing political processes. With personnel from multiple nations working together, the deployment reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and fostering stability in Kosovo.
The contributions of Portugal and Lithuania serve as a testament to their dedication to supporting global peacekeeping efforts, ensuring a secure and stable environment for Kosovo’s parliamentary elections.