Brookings Institution
July 23, 2010
Momentum toward recognition of Kosovo as an independent state has in all likelihood taken a step forward now that the International Court of Justice has issued its much anticipated and narrowly tailored advisory opinion on Kosovo.
While the ICJ concluded that the unilateral declaration of independence was not adopted in violation of international law, the Court’s opinion does not necessarily signal an easy path for Kosovo in its move toward sovereignty and membership in the United Nations and the European Union, both stated goals of Kosovo’s leadership in Pristina. Only 69 countries currently recognize Kosovo as an independent state, a number far short of the 100 required for UN membership. Countries currently unwilling to recognize Kosovo include Russia, other major European powers, and Serbia.
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