The old red flag was changed for a more EU friendly version.
Kosovo declares independence: what will the EU do?
Monday, 18 February 2008
On Sunday, the 17th February 2008, the democratically elected Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thai, read out loud that "From now onward, Kosovo is proud, independent, sovereign and free". Seeking "the blessing of the world", the Kosovar leadership went on to note that this new state would be democratic and free. This was targeted specifically at the large Serbian population of the province, who were reassured that their rights would be respected in full.
However, the enthusiastic celebration that erupted throughout the Albanian parts of Kosovo were not mirrored in Serbia, or in many other parts of the world. Russia called an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting, while the EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss the situation. What the future truly holds for Kosovo seems rather out of the hands of its inhabitants.
Serbian Reaction
As expected, Serbia rejected the declaration immediately, Boris Tadi noting that his country will use all peaceful means at its disposal to annul the act. Following a declaration of the Serbian Prime Minister, Vojislav Kostunica, a strong anti-US feeling could be felt throughout the country. The US embassy in Belgrade was the target of a large crowd of protesters.
The Serbian population living in the Kosovar town of Mitrovia was less willing to resort to peaceful means. Grenade attacks were carried out on EU and US buildings, but no casualties were reported.
EU dissension
Prior to the meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers, various positions were already known. Four countries in particular - Spain, Romania, Cyprus and Greece have clearly stated their opposition to such a declaration, due to fears it would create an unwanted precedent. Slovakia is at the moment no certain it will recognise the independence of Kosovo, while Bulgaria kept its position unclear for the time being.
On the other side, along with the UK, France and Germany, the other EU countries are showing a favourable attitude towards this Sunday's declaration. Along with the US, they are expected to recognise Kosovo's independence in the near future.
However, consensus is sought at the EU level. The representatives have at least decided to "take note" of the declaration and perhaps leave the individual member states to decide, thus setting the chance for a joint declaration aside.
Source: EUobserver