Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has outlined an ambitious security and defence agenda, with plans to spend over €1bn on the military in a four-year period 

Kurti’s proposals signal a major expansion of Kosovo’s military capabilities, even as the formation of the government remains on hold.

Kurti told the general council of the Vetevendosje Movement on September 7 that over €1bn will be allocated to the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) over the next four years, a party statement on Facebook said. 

Plans include operationalising the Ammunition Factory, developing a domestic military industry, and producing “Made in Kosovo”  military drones. He also announced the establishment of a joint military unit with the armed forces of Albania, and partnerships with leading military academies abroad to enhance training.

“Within the next mandate, we will deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Nato states. The Ammunition Factory will become fully operational, and the Kosovo military industry will be developed, including drones produced domestically,” Kurti was cited as saying.

He commented on the recruitment of new cadets, targeting 1,000 women in the armed forces, and the implementation of a Comprehensive Protection Programme for volunteer reservists.

However, Kurti remains Kosovo’s acting prime minister with no clear prospect of forming a government after months of political stalemate. 

Vetevendosje’s general council has unanimously confirmed Kurti as the movement’s mandate holder to form a new government, but with a fall in its share of the vote after the February general election, Vetevendosje no longer has a majority in parliament. 

The Constitutional Court on September 5 imposed a 30-day suspension on any action by MPs to form a government, following an appeal by the Serbian List over the election of deputy speakers. The new speaker, Dimal Basha, declared parliament constituted despite the absence of the fifth deputy speaker from the Serbian community, a move that has sparked division among MPs and experts.