Brussels, 18/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - The day following Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence, proclaimed on Sunday 17 February in Pristina, the European Union managed to define a common position backed by all 27 member states. In conclusions approved by the External Relations Council, EU foreign ministers take note of the decision taken by the Kosovar parliament but stress that Kosovo constitutes a “sui generis” case, which does not call into question the principles of international law - mainly that of sovereignty and territorial integrity - or the resolutions of the UN Security Council. Ministers also reaffirm the European aspirations of the Western Balkans and stress that the EU wants to play a “leading role” in stabilising the region. On the other hand, the Council's conclusions carefully avoid taking a stance on recognition of the new independent State. It is up to the member states in accordance with their own national practices and legal system to decide whether they wish to recognise Kosovo as an independent State or not, the conclusions state. Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, who chaired the meeting, explained that, as such, the European Union does not recognise third countries. This is solely up to member states. He said some will recognise Kosovo as of today, others tomorrow, while others will recognise Kosovo in weeks to come and some may not do so at all.
The Council's conclusions also note with satisfaction that, in their unilateral declaration of independence, Kosovars undertake to comply with democratic principles and equality among citizens, to protect the rights of the Serb population and of the other minorities, and to protect cultural and religious heritage as well as agreeing to be placed under international supervision. The EU will closely ensure that these commitments are kept by the Kosovar authorities, said Mr Rupel, Commissioner Olli Rehn and EU High Representative for CFSP Javier Solana. Mr Rehn also announced that the Commission would organise, by this summer, an international donors' conference for Kosovo.
“Contrary to what some pessimists had predicted, the European Union today has been able to speak with a single voice and remain united”, Mr Rupel was pleased to tell reporters. By reiterating the European prospects of the Western Balkans, confirming its commitment in favour of stabilisation and economic development and by leaving member states the choice of whether or not to recognise the new State, the EU has given an “appropriate” response to the historic events in Pristina, the EU Council president said. The Council's conclusions also constitute an “encouraging message” to Serbia, with references on the protection of the Kosovar Serbs' rights and the European prospect of the Balkans (and hence also of Serbia). Furthermore, the EU's offer to sign “an interim political agreement” with Belgrade (without waiting for the signing and entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, SAA) “remains on the table”, Mr Rupel stressed. Commissioner Rehn added that the Commission is willing to sign the SAA as soon as the conditions are met by the Serbian authorities, mainly full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague.
On Monday evening, at the time of going to press, it was likely that some twenty EU member states would recognise Kosovo in the short or medium term. The United Kingdom and France were about to do so on Monday evening, possibly followed by other countries. Slovenia, which currently holds EU Council Presidency, will not act before 21 February when the Slovenian government cabinet meets. The government is then expected to propose to the parliament to vote in favour of Kosovo's recognition, said Mr Rupel. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that, for Germany, such a decision, which requires that the government should meet, would certainly not come about by Monday.
At least six member states - Bulgaria, Cyprus, Spain, Greece, Romania and Slovakia - are not expected to recognise Kosovo in the foreseeable future. Cyprus even excluded this possibility in the longer term. Nicosia fears that recognition of the independence of the Serbian province “will create a precedent and cause problems in the future,” particularly if Turkish Cypriots decide to follow the Kosovar example and unilaterally declare their independence. Spain, where general elections are due to be held on 9 March, does not want any recognition of Kosovo in the middle of an election campaign and fear repercussions among its own minorities, who may be tempted by independence. “The Spanish government will not recognise the unilateral action proclaimed yesterday by the parliament of Kosovo,” said Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos.
On Saturday 16 February, member states, using the written procedure, approved the operation plans (OPLAN) for the police and rule of law mission (EULEX) which the EU has decided to send to Kosovo. Deployment will begin in the forthcoming weeks, but this civilian ESDP mission, with around 2000 police officers, lawyers and customs officers, will only begin after a transition period of 120 days, i.e. in June. EULEX, to be led by Frenchman Yves de Kermabon, will assist Kosovar authorities put in place the legal, police and civil bodies and institutions essential for the rule of law. €205 million has been set aside to cover the initial duration of the mission (16 months). Last week, the EU also appointed its Special Representative for Kosovo, Dutchman Pieter Feith. (H.B.)