NATO reaffirms KFOR mission in Kosovo, backs North Macedonia’s defense, and pushes Western Balkan EU integration.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to the KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo during a visit to Skopje, stating it remains vital for regional security and that no changes to the force’s deployment have been made despite unconfirmed reports of U.S. pressure to reduce it. He praised North Macedonia’s strong defence spending—over 2% of GDP—and its contributions to NATO’s eastern flank, while emphasizing NATO’s dedication to defending all allies. Rutte also highlighted the importance of Western Balkan integration into the EU as a path to long-term stability, calling for progress on membership criteria and regional cooperation.