Spain Regained, Do Not Know Kosovo's Independence

Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the country still maintains its stance that it does not recognise Kosovo's independence.

“Spain maintains its stance that it does not recognise the unilateral declaration of independence adopted by Kosovo in 2008 and strongly supports a mutually acceptable solution under dialogue with the support of the EU”, said Elena Aljarica Cortezon of the Spanish MPS.

On the occasion of reaching the agreement in Ohrid, Corteson said Spain welcomes the progress made in normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia and that it praises and supports the efforts of EU High Representative Josep Borelli and special envoy Miroslav Lajcak.

He adds that implementing the agreement in Ohrid, along with preliminary agreements, is an opportunity not to be missed.

“In this regard, Spain welcomes the latest agreements on normalising relations between Belgrade and Pristina. We recognise and support the efforts of EU High Representative Borell and EU Special Representative Lajcak. Implementation of these agreements, along with previous agreements, is now essential, as this is an opportunity that cannot be lost”, Cortezon concluded.

Like Spain, Greece has no intention of changing its stance on Kosovo independence. Greece's president, Katerina Sakellaropoulos, once from Athens, and later during an official visit to Belgrade, has stressed that Greece does not recognise Kosovo's independence.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken days ago hinted that the agreement in Ohrid could encourage EU countries to recognise Kosovo's independence.

This is certainly an issue we're still working on, but I also think that this agreement, if implemented, actually leads to recognition from these countries,” said Blinken.

In addition to Spain and Greece, Slovakia, Romania and Cyprus do not recognise Kosovo.