US Senator Dick Durbin discusses Kosovo proposal for permanent Bondsteel base

US Senator Dick Durbin stated that a proposal by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti to transform the Bondsteel military camp into a permanent United States base should be “seriously considered.” During a visit to Pristina, Durbin noted that the Kosovar government has presented a financial arrangement to support a long-term US military presence, suggesting the costs would not be significant.

Senator Durbin, accompanied by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, met with Prime Minister Kurti, who presented maps highlighting regional security risks. The Bondsteel camp, located near Ferizaj, is currently the largest US military base in the Balkans. Kurti has linked the proposal to long-term peace and stability in the region.

The proposal follows a similar move by Poland, which reportedly offered financial incentives to establish a permanent US base, including infrastructure coverage and annual payments per soldier. The US senators' visit to the Western Balkans also included meetings with officials in Sarajevo and Tirana to discuss regional security and stability.