El no-reconocimiento de Kósovo por EspañaEspaña

Abstract

While Spain has always been in favour of pursuing consensus within the European Union, especially on foreign policy issues, on Kosovo it has found itself at odds with the majority of its European partners. Together with four other countries - Romania, Slovakia, Greece and Cyprus - Spain maintains a policy of non-recognition. However, unlike the others, its position has hardened over the years since Kosovo declared independence. While always opposed to Kosovo's unilateral secession, it is now regarded as the most uncompromisingly hard-line EU member state in terms of its bilateral relations with Pristina . Unlike the others, Madrid shows no sign of flexibility, even symbolically1 when it comes to Kosovo. This position is driven by a number of factors. For a start, Spain viewed Kosovo's declaration of independence as contrary to international law, arguing that it had been done without an agreement between the sides and that the process had been incompatible with the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1244. This ties in with its view of itself as a defender of international law. However, its position, is also based on the 'fear of contagion', particularly given its own domestic situation . Although P.olicy makers are keen to emphasise the differences in the cases, they are deeply worried about the effects of Kosovo on their own situation regarding Catalonia and the Basque Region . As a result, Madrid is highly unlikely to recognise Kosovo unless and until there a formal agreement between Belgrade and Pristina . Meanwhile, wider engagement between Spain and Kosovo is also likely to remain very limited.