Exploratory negociations on the EU accession of Kosovo

The status of independent Kosovo continues to spark controversy among European diplomats.

Not all EU Member States recognise it as an independent country, but the EU has agreed to a mission supporting the rule of law (EULEX Kosovo).

At the same time Kosovo is also home to the International Civilian Office (ICO), which is supported by all those countries recognising Kosovo's independence.

Since the Greens back Kosovo's independence, we believe Serbia must recognise it as a nation state and make concrete steps to improve cooperation.

Meanwhile, Kosovo needs to improve the functioning of its political and legal institutions.

The Greens succeeded in changing Parliament's position, requiring it to demand that all Member States accept Kosovo's independence.

We also introduced calls for political reforms in Kosovo. If the country is to stand a chance of acceding to the Union, it needs to strengthen its courts and legal institutions, fight corruption, encourage media pluralism and increase the democratic inclusion of civil society and the social partners.

In the meantime, Serbia and Kosovo have signed an agreement including mutual recognition and setting out steps for closer cooperation.

All in all, the Greens are satisfied with the result.

Since Parliament's opinion on foreign affairs is not legally binding, conflict over issues in this domain is rare.