No unanimous recognition of Kosovo in EU

European nations reacted differently to Kosovo's independence on Monday a day after the province's ethnic Albanian leaders declared independence from Serbia.

European nations reacted differently to Kosovo's  independence on Monday a day after the province's  ethnic Albanian leaders declared independence from  Serbia.(CCTV.com)

Up to seventeen of the 27 EU nations used the foreign minister's meeting to recognize the breakaway region.

The EU has promised to work for stability in Kosovo while leaving each member free to decide on recognizing Kosovo's independence.

France, Britain and Germany led most EU nations in recognizing Kosovo's new status.

After a meeting with Kosovo's President and Prime Minister, Britain's top diplomat in Kosovo confirmed Britain's recognition.

David Blunt, Britain's Top Diplomat in Kosovo, said, "The essential process for the UK's recognition of Kosovo as an independent state under international supervision have now been completed."

However, Spain says it will not recognize Kosovo's independence.

Miguel Angel Moratinos, Spanish Foreign Minister, said, "The Spanish government will not recognize the unilateral act proclaimed yesterday by Kosovo's assembly. We will not recognize it because it does not respect international law. The Spanish government has always respected international law."

Greece, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Cyprus are all indicating they will not recognize Kosovo now.

They say it's because of legal misgivings or concern about minorities in their own countries.