EU Parliament Urges All Bloc To Recognise Kosovo

Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia, Spain and Romania have refused to recognise Kosovo as independent.

European Union lawmakers on Thursday urged five EU members that have so far failed to recognise Kosovo to fall in line with other members of the bloc.

Kosovo, which broke from Serbia last February, has been recognised by 22 of the 27 member countries.

Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia, Spain and Romania have refused to recognise Kosovo as independent, either because they support Serbia or because they believe this would spark trouble in sensitive provinces of their own.

"The resolution recommends that the EU Member States which have not recognised the independence of Kosovo should do so," the European Parliament said in a statement.

In a non-binding resolution, the parliament also urged the executive European Commission and member states to help Kosovo's government to overcome serious staff shortages and improve the situation of the Roma and other minorities there.

The resolution was passed in a 424-133 vote with 24 abstentions.