Today marks 26 years since the establishment of the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC). According to the Kumanovo Agreement and in line with the Rambouillet Agreement, it was foreseen that the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) fighters would be disarmed and transformed into the Kosovo Protection Corps.

With the entry of NATO military troops, KFOR, into Kosovo in 1999, the transformation of the KLA also began, concluding in 2000.

The first Commander of the KPC was Lieutenant General Agim Çeku. According to the agreement, the duties and responsibilities of the KPC at that time were to act in preventing and reducing damage from natural disasters and accidents, providing assistance in risk areas, assisting in mine clearance, and contributing to reconstruction and local communities.

The KPC was established at a time when the institutional organization of the country was just beginning, not only in Kosovo but also in the region. It grew and strengthened, though under difficult conditions and with low salaries.

On February 2, 2007, the UN Special Envoy for Kosovo’s status, Martti Ahtisaari, submitted his proposal in Pristina and Belgrade, the “Standards for Kosovo,” which also foresaw the disbandment of the KPC and the creation of a new force.

“A new, professional, multi-ethnic force for the security of Kosovo will be created, lightly armed and capable of addressing specific security needs according to Annex VII of this agreement. The Kosovo Protection Corps, having fulfilled its purpose, including facilitating Kosovo’s post-war reconstruction, will be disbanded one year after the adoption of this agreement,” stated the Ahtisaari Plan.

The disbandment of the KPC was done with the consent of all relevant local and international actors. On January 21, 2009, the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) was created, initially tasked with responding to major disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or fires that could threaten Kosovo.

Seven years ago, the KSF was transformed into the Kosovo Armed Forces, while the Ministry of the KSF became the Ministry of Defense.