Recognition of Kosovo: the exaggerated “division”!

(BRUSSELS2) Some see a division of Europe in the random recognition of Kosovo, a mark of division. To these cassandres of the first hour, some facts:

1) The existence ofa rule of law mission in Kosovo has been endorsed by the 27 EU countries (and most except Malta for technical reasons participate). Until further notice, a "rule of law" mission can only take place in one state... There is therefore tacit recognition on the part of the European Union.

2) Sending a high representative, responsible for a Civil Office and a European Commission delegation is also symptomatic of this recognition.

3) The European Commission has programmed the launch, in 2009, of the negotiation of a stabilization and association agreement with Kosovo, "if the conditions are met" (see 2009 strategy).

4) On the other hand, the recognition of a new State by the Member States is not the competence of the European Union but of each State - independently. No united position can therefore be imputed or decided.

5) It must however be recognized that the vast majority of States have recognized. Immediately, the largest Member States - this is the main difference with the 1991 period when the independence of Slovenia and Croatia, when there was a real "division" this time, a schism - between the Germany and Italy on one side, the United Kingdom and France on the other, some for quick recognition, others. Today, the 4 concerned are united and have marked their rapid recognition. And with all the others the consultation is real. (See the state of play).

(NGV)