The parliamentary group of the Catalan party "Junts" plans to present a non-legislative proposal for a vote in the Spanish Congress next week, urging the Spanish government to recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state.
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| The flag of Kosovo on the left and that of Spain in front and two passports of Kosovo in the middle (montage) |
The initiative, set for debate next Tuesday, argues that Kosovo is "a legal and democratic state with approximately 1.7 million inhabitants," recognized as an independent nation by over 100 countries, including 22 EU members.
"Junts" has reminded that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in July 2010 that "Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law" and that no rule prevents it from continuing as such.
"Spain's refusal to recognize a state that exercised its legitimate right to self-determination is an obstacle to the European policy of integrating the Western Balkans into the EU, and it is a destabilizing factor in the region within a context marked by the war in Ukraine, which this part of Europe is experiencing with particular anxiety," the party stated in their explanatory memorandum.
According to "Junts," "it is unacceptable that the Spanish state shares the same strategy as Russia, China, or Belarus in refusing to recognize Kosovo," especially when, according to the initiative accessed by "Europa Press," "Spain already has indirect relations with Kosovo," and since last January, "the government has been compelled to recognize Kosovo passports, as Kosovo has joined the visa-free regime for short stays in the Schengen area."
This move by "Junts" reflects a broader push to align Spain's foreign policy with European integration efforts and to address ongoing regional stability issues. The outcome of the debate and subsequent vote will indicate Spain's stance on this critical international recognition.