Belgrade-Pristina Agreement. Good news that is problematic...

(BRUSSELS2) These are the terms expressed by a diplomat from a member country recently in a very small committee. For the five countries which, until now, refused to recognize Kosovo as an independent state, the agreement reached between Pristina and Belgrade marks a stage. Some countries - such as Slovakia or Greece - could also consider changing their position.

Find a solution to not block

For others, such as Cyprus or Spain, as this diplomat acknowledges, " this is good news... which is problematic ". As one ambassador told us, " a solution must be found so as not to block everything. But we cannot recognize a state by giving the association and stabilization agreement,” which is the first step towards membership.  The ideal - he continues - " would be for Serbia to recognize Kosovo ". Which would pull a thorn out of countries that say no. Otherwise... "So we're going to have to be inventive he concludes evasively on the solutions that do not yet seem to be approved in the capitals.

"Good" reasons to block

Each of the 5 blocking countries has a "good" reason. For Slovakia, these are the problems with the Hungarian minority (10% of the population all the same), the same for Romania (with Transylvania). For Greece it is the problem with Macedonia and a certain solidarity with Cyprus and "orthodox" with Serbia. For Cyprus - which faces the most serious problem - it is the cutting of the country in two with the occupation of the north by Turkey. For Spain, it is Basque but above all Catalan autonomy now. But this comparison does not really hold water, as a Spanish negotiator recently admitted, speaking "in a personal capacity". " It is difficult to compare the internal situation of Catalonia and the Basque Country with Kosovo ».