The Commander of NATO's Joint Forces Command in Naples, Admiral George Wikoff, has stated that KFOR does not have a mandate to decide whether the main bridge over the Ibar River should be opened to vehicle traffic, emphasizing that such a decision belongs to the European Union and the relevant Kosovo institutions.
Wikoff clarified that decisions on the presence of KFOR troops on the bridge are based exclusively on NATO assessments of the security situation on the ground.
"Decisions regarding the presence of KFOR at the Mitrovica Bridge are based on our assessment of the security situation. KFOR does not have a mandate to determine whether the bridge should be opened or not. This is for the EU and the relevant Kosovo institutions to determine after KFOR ends its permanent presence at the bridge," Wikoff said.
He announced that, even after the end of the permanent presence on the bridge, KFOR personnel will continue to be present in the surrounding areas.
His statements come at a time when KFOR has begun a gradual process of withdrawing its permanent presence from the Ibar Bridge, part of a broader process that the NATO mission calls "deployment optimization."
In a press release, KFOR announced that the process aims to adapt the mission's presence to the current security situation in Kosovo.
"KFOR is currently undergoing a process of optimizing its deployment, as announced on June 12, 2026. This is to ensure that our mission remains fit for purpose," the announcement said.
According to KFOR, the process is being carried out gradually and in coordination with Kosovo institutions, the European Union, Kosovo Police and EULEX. In this process, KFOR has stated that it also engages local actors and the Serbian Armed Forces.
However, NATO has left open the possibility of changing this process.
"The process may be reversed, if required by relevant developments that may affect long-term security in Kosovo and regional stability," the KFOR statement said.
KFOR Commander, Major General Ozkan Ulutash, has stated that the NATO mission remains committed to guaranteeing security for all citizens living in Kosovo.
"KFOR's commitment to the security of all people living in Kosovo is unwavering, as evidenced by the continuous and visible presence of our personnel on the ground, including through regular patrols, observation posts and engagements with local communities," said Ulutash.
He added that KFOR's daily activities will be conducted taking into account the needs and concerns of all communities.
KFOR has announced that, while it is gradually reducing its permanent presence at the Ibar Bridge, it may increase its presence in other areas, without limiting this to North Mitrovica or northern Kosovo.
According to the NATO mission, the gradual withdrawal from the permanent presence on the bridge is part of the assessment of the security situation and reflects, according to KFOR, the improvement of the situation on the ground.
"KFOR will continue to regularly assess the situation on the ground and maintain an adapted deployment to contribute to long-term security for all people living in Kosovo," the statement said.
KFOR announced on August 10 the gradual withdrawal of its permanent presence from the Ibar Bridge. In parallel, the mission has also begun the gradual integration of the Kosovo Police into the security structure of the Deçan Monastery.
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated on Sunday that Kosovo institutions are in constant communication with KFOR regarding the full opening of the main bridge over the Ibar River and the transfer of its control to the hands of the Kosovo Police.
According to him, after the construction of new bridges over the Ibar River, keeping the main bridge closed to vehicle traffic has become meaningless.
"After the construction of the new bridges, it has become absurd to keep that bridge closed," Kurti said, arguing that traffic on the new bridges has not produced an increase in incidents or tensions.
He assessed that the free movement of people and goods has a positive impact not only on the economy, but also on peace and security.
The GeoPost
There are countless Srebrenicas in Kosovo, committed by Serbs. 
Montenegro's EU integration process "postponed", five countries request pause 
EPP initiates proceedings against SNS: Vučić has played both sides enough 
KSF announces joint exercises with the military from America, Croatia and Albania 
Mass grave in Zubin Potok, identity of three victims confirmed – belong to the "Intellectuals Group" 
Russian and Serbian media falsely portray the protest in Tirana as a "riot" due to the sentencing of former KLA leaders