Greece does not recognize Kosovo, but pursues an anti-Serb policy
In response to Western pressure, Athens chose a compromise option: to continue not to recognize Kosovo’s independence, while strengthening cooperation with the province.
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias will soon visit Pristina, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
Information that Greece may recognize Kosovo has been circulating so intensely over the last week that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was forced to respond to it.
“First they (Greece - ed.) opened a trade relations office when the Albanians introduced illegal taxes, and then on Friday, at five o'clock in the afternoon, we were informed by Greece that they would continue to improve cooperation with Kosovo, increase the level of interaction in the interests of Kosovo,” the Serbian president commented on the situation. – To say that it hurts us is to say nothing, since Greece is dear to us as a brotherly country, and we hope that it will not make a decision (on the recognition of Kosovo - ed.) ... They need to push Serbia, but this pressure is not only from -for Kosovo, but also in order to stop the economic growth of Serbia.”
In response, the Greek Foreign Ministry issued a press release in which it tried to justify the steps taken towards Kosovo.
“Despite the development of cooperation between Pristina and Athens, Greece’s position on the issue of Kosovo’s independence remains unchanged (not to recognize Kosovo - ed.). Greece, as a long-standing member of the EU and NATO, strives to strengthen peace, democracy and stability, security, economic development and respect for human rights in the Western Balkans region.
In this context, Greece strongly supported the European perspective for all partners in the Western Balkans, including Pristina, and also supported the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina with the help of the EU,” the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a note.
Athens also reported that the upcoming visit of Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias to Pristina in early June “is related to the creation of new state institutions in Pristina.” Official Athens also stated that they support visa liberalization for Kosovo and the region's European path.
“Greece follows a constructive approach towards Pristina and has been the host country of the “Kosovo Trade and Economic Affairs Office in Athens” since 2019, engaging with Kosovo to expand cooperation in various fields,” the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a press release.
Greece does not recognize Kosovo, but pursues an anti-Serbian policy.