Greece to Abstain from Kosovo's Council of Europe Accession Vote

20 Prill 2024, 15:35Kosovo & Region TEMA

Greece to Abstain from Kosovo's Council of Europe Accession Vote

April 20, 2024-Greece has decided not to vote either for or against Kosovo's bid to join the Council of Europe (CoE) in the upcoming crucial vote in May. The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, made this announcement, stating that Greece's decision is based on political considerations.

This announcement follows Kosovo's recent success in passing the second phase of its CoE accession process. The CoE's Parliamentary Assembly showed strong support for Kosovo's candidacy, with a majority backing the rapporteur's report led by Dora Bakoyannis, advocating for Kosovo's recognition within the organization.

"Consistent with our past practices in similar situations, Greece will abstain from the vote. We won't support Kosovo's CoE membership bid for political reasons," Gerapetritis said.

Gerapetritis emphasized Greece's commitment to principled decision-making while encouraging ongoing dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia under EU mediation.

Kosovo now has just one step left in its CoE membership journey: the vote of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in May.

Before the approval of Bakoyannis' report, the CoE's Parliamentary Assembly rejected all amendments proposed by Serbia. The Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy of the CoE, which preceded the report's approval, dismissed amendments put forward by Serbian deputies, including a proposal to delay Kosovo's acceptance until the establishment of the Association of Municipalities with Serbian Majority.

Kosovo's progress in the CoE accession process marks a significant milestone, with the majority of member states voting in favor of its candidacy during the preliminary phase on March 27th.

As Kosovo approaches the final hurdle in its pursuit of CoE membership, Greece's decision to abstain highlights the complex regional dynamics and political interests at play within the European arena.

 

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