Premier Denemarken: Erkenning Kosovo overlaten aan individuele EU-landen (en)
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - It will be up to individual EU member states to decide whether they want to recognize an independent Kosovo or not, Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said.
Speaking at a meeting of liberal prime ministers ahead of Friday's (14 December) EU summit, the Danish leader confirmed a scenario mooted by EU diplomats, which would see Kosovo, the breakaway province of Serbia, becoming independent as a result of a "coordinated" procedure with the international community.
This would mean the 27-nation EU would "take note" of Kosovo's independence, but it would be up to individual governments to decide whether they recognise the newly-born state.
"I do believe that it is important we keep a firm and united stance among EU member states," said Mr Rasmussen.
"That is - in common, we create a framework for recognition of Kosovo independence. And then it is up to each individual member state whether this member state will recognize Kosovo or not," he said.
It is still unclear, however, whether the EU will pass this crucial test of its foreign policy by speaking with one voice.
While major EU powers like Germany, France, Italy and the UK are ready to recognize Kosovo days after its declaration of independence, Cyprus remains most opposed to the idea of Kosovo's sovereignty due to its concern about the fate of Northern Cyprus, occupied by Turkey.
But Mr Rasmussen indicated "I think it's a bit too early" for EU leaders to agree on the "coordinated independence" scenario on Friday.
"Today, I think we have to send two clear signals," he said. Firstly, that the EU will "engage itself actively in ensuring peace and stability in the western Balkans" and secondly that the western Balkans including Serbia will be provided "with a very clear European perspective."
"At a later stage, I expect Kosovo to declare independence and then at that time we need to make the necessary decisions," he added.
The draft conclusions of the EU leaders' meeting say that diplomatic efforts for a bilateral deal between Belgrade and Pristina have been "exhausted", while "the status quo in Kosovo is unsustainable".
It continues by saying that the EU is "ready to assist Kosovo on the path towards sustainable stability", referring to the deployment of a civilian mission to Kosovo as well as to "a clear European perspective".
Meanwhile, European Parliament president Hans-Gert Poettering also called on EU governments to remain "united" on the issue.
According to the parliament chief, the EU should "be strict in the principle, that means in recognition of the self-determination of the people of Kosovo, and be flexible in the timing and the procedure".
"Serbia and Kosovo will find themselves one day together again in the European Union (...) This should ease the problem, although I know there are still political and psychological difficulties. But this is the direction", he added.
Kosovo's independence declaration is expected in spring, with Swedish prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt saying "we should probably wait for the Serbian presidential elections" due to take place on 20 January and 3 February next year.