EU Council Conclusions on Kosovo

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"On 17 February 2008 the Kosovo Assembly adopted a resolution which declares Kosovo to be independent. The Council takes note that the resolution commits Kosovo to the principles of democracy and equality of all its citizens, the protection of the Serb and other minorities, the protection of the cultural and religious heritage and international supervision. The Council welcomes the continued presence of the international community based on UN Security Council
resolution 1244. The Council notes that Member States will decide, in accordance with national practice and international law, on their relations with Kosovo.

The Council recalls the European Union's longstanding commitment to the stability of the Western Balkans region. The Council reiterates the European Union's readiness to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the region, and recalls the European Union's commitments contained in the conclusions of the European Council of 14 December 2007, as well as the agreement to Joint
Actions establishing an ESDP Police and Rule of Law mission and appointing an EU Special Representative in Kosovo. The European Union will continue to cooperate with the UN, KFOR, OSCE and other international actors in order to preserve stability in the region. The Council reaffirms its commitment to fully and effectively support the European perspective for the Western Balkans. It asks the Commission to use community instruments to promote economic and political development and to propose to the broader region concrete measures in order to
advance in that direction.

The Council reiterates the EU's adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, inter alia the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and all UN Security Council resolutions. It underlines its conviction that in view of the conflict of the 1990s and the extended period of international administration under SCR 1244, Kosovo constitutes a sui generis case which
does not call into question these principles and resolutions."

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• Donors' Conference for Kosovo: "Matching political engagement with concrete contributions" - Speech by EU Commissioner Rehn (11/7/2008)
• Donors Conference for Kosovo on 11 July (10/6/2008)
• Western Balkans: Enhancing the European perspective  (5/3/2008)
• Financial assistance to the Western Balkans - Donor cooperation  (5/3/2008)
• European Commission, United States and UNMIK sign Memorandum of Understanding to appoint judges and prosecutors in Kosovo  (25/2/2008)
• "The European Institutions' Reactions to Kosovo Independence" - Speech by EU Commissioner Rehn (20/2/2008)
• Kosovo: A special case say MEPs (20/2/2008)
• Kosovo' Status: Troika Press Communiqué, Baden Conference (28/11/2007)
• Kosovo: Troika Press Statement (20/11/2007)
• EU Council Conclusions on Western Balkans (19/11/2007)