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Croatia is ready to increase the number of its soldiers in NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR), at a time when the Alliance is considering reducing its overall military presence in the country.
This was hinted at by Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic during a statement to journalists in Brussels, Croatian media outlet Vecernji List reported.
According to the report, foreign diplomatic sources have unofficially announced that several European allies have begun discussions on ways they can contribute to offset a partial withdrawal of US forces from Europe.
The development comes after NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), US General Alexus G. Grynkewich, revealed last week that plans are being drawn up to reduce the KFOR mission in Kosovo.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also confirmed on Wednesday that the number of KFOR troops is expected to decrease from the current level of around 4,700 soldiers before 2023, to around 3,000 to 3,500 members.
However, despite this planned reduction, Croatia has signaled that it is ready to increase its contribution to the NATO mission in Kosovo.
The issue of increasing the role of European allies in the continent's security was also discussed during meetings of NATO defense ministers. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told his counterparts that the United States' military presence in Europe will continue to decline and that European countries must take more responsibility for their own defense.
He warned that Washington will closely evaluate the commitment of each ally.
" The US will be watching our allies closely and monitoring who is not doing their part and who is saying 'no', 'maybe' or 'let's wait and see,'" Hegseth declared.
According to him, some allied countries will fail this new test of commitment, while others will show greater willingness to take on responsibilities within NATO.
Hegseth also mentioned that some European allies did not support the United States during the recent conflict with Iran, while others, according to him, responded positively to American demands.
In this context, Croatia's willingness to increase its presence in KFOR is seen as part of the efforts of European allies to take a greater role in guaranteeing security in the region and within NATO structures.
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