Zecevic: In some circles within the EU, the correctness of recognizing Kosovo is being questioned, but there are no changes

Director of the Institute for European Studies in Belgrade Slobodan Zecevic told Kosovo Online that, besides the Czech Republic, parties on the far right in Germany and France are also examining the correctness of the decision to recognize Kosovo’s independence, but that until it is seen that someone in the EU withdraws recognition, it cannot be said that any revolutionary changes have occurred.

“There are reflections within European Union member states on all of this. Such thinking is particularly intense among far-right parties, the Alternative for Germany and Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France. These are all parties that seriously question the correctness of the decision to recognize Kosovo’s independence. The Czech Republic is one of them, where there is reconsideration and reflection on whether the move to recognize Kosovo’s independence was justified, given that it creates major problems in Europe, including in relation to the Ukrainian crisis. This has affected relations between Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union in terms of a legal precedent,” Zecevic said.

At the same time, he stressed that thinking is one thing, and official actions are another.

“As long as we do not see a European country withdraw recognition of Kosovo, we cannot say that there have been revolutionary changes. It is good that this is being discussed in the Czech Republic, in France, in Germany, in certain political circles. But an act of derecognition would have to occur for something fundamentally to change on the European stage, and we see that even in the part concerning the Brussels Agreement, which was concluded under the auspices of the European Union, nothing is changing on the ground, meaning that the EU is not taking the necessary measures to ensure its full implementation,” he added.

According to Zecevic, the position of the Czech Republic could influence others in the sense that far-right parties in Germany and France may feel validated in their views, since the justification of Kosovo’s independence is also being questioned in the Czech Republic.

“It may have an impact in strengthening the argument that Kosovo gained independence unjustifiably. But for now, there are no real political moves or decisions that would change the situation. If that happens one day, then we will be able to speak more seriously about a new situation regarding the Kosovo issue and the decision to recognize its independence in certain countries,” Zecevic said.

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka stated last week that nearly 20 years ago the Czech Republic recognized Kosovo’s independence under a certain degree of pressure and could have acted more cautiously, but that it does not now wish to make theatrical or sudden moves.