During today's visit to Kosovo, Minister Tomasz Siemoniak was accompanied by Deputy Minister of the Interior and Administration Maciej Duszczyk, Chief Superintendent Marek Boroń, Secretary of State at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister Brig. Gen. Radosław Kujawa and Deputy Minister of Defence Stanisław Wziątek.

During the official assembly, the Minister of the Interior and Administration presented commemorative plaques to distinguished officers. He also visited the Polish Police Special Force base in Kosovo. 

We came to Kosovo to express our respect and admiration for the police officers and soldiers who have been carrying out their mission here for many years. The mission is extremely important, since the issues in this part of Europe remain unsolved

said Minister Tomasz Siemoniak in a speech in Mitrovica.

This mission shows that Poland is not indifferent to what life is like for other nations

he added.

Mission to Kosovo

Minister Tomasz Siemoniak pointed out that the Polish Police is both recognised and respected in the EU and international structures. He also spoke about the Polish presidency in the Council of the European Union, which Poland assumed on 1 January.

The Polish presidency in the Council of the European Union is ongoing. We have been doing everything in our power to make sure that this time spurs the European Union into action, at least when it comes to acts that enhance our collective security. The motto of this presidency is 'Security, Europe!' and your service as part of the EULEX mission is a testament to this

he said.

The presence of Polish officers in Kosovo is testimony to the fact that Poland does its best to ensure security in Europe with the highest level of commitment and professionalism. Polish police officers have been working in Kosovo for more than two decades. For 25 years, Poland has been working hand in hand with Kosovo's authorities in an effort to restore stability in the region. 

The Kosovo mission is particularly important for Polish police officers. The experience gained here is extremely valuable and useful for further service. Crime knows no borders, especially when it comes to drug and human trafficking as well as smuggling guns. We need experienced police officers to combat these threats

he pointed out.

The Minister of the Interior and Administration and Coordinator of Special Services also spoke about soldiers stationed in Kosovo, emphasising the very good cooperation between the Ministry of the Interior and Administration units and the soldiers, including abroad. 

I also want to express my respect for the soldiers serving in Kosovo as part of the NATO KFOR mission. The cooperation of Polish police officers and soldiers in two missions run by the EU and NATO in one country and one region is very symbolic

he pointed out.

During today's visit to Kosovo, the Minister of the Interior and Administration and Deputy Head of the EULEX Kosovo Mission Emily Rakhorst also took part in an Easter breakfast with police officers.

Polish Police as part of EULEX

The Polish Police Contingent has been operating in Kosovo since 2000. During the first 14 tours, the unit operated within the framework of the United Nations. It has been managed by the European Union since 2008. Since 2012, the Polish Police Special Unit has been stationed in Mitrovica.

On the 9th of December 2024, the 37th tour of the Polish Police Special Unit started its mission in Kosovo. The unit is made up of 105 officers, four of whom are women. EULEX also has 3 officers serving as experts in Kosovo.

EULEX supports Kosovo's law enforcement authorities in developing their capacity to exchange information with regional and international partners in the area of legal support and cooperation in criminal matters.