EU divided over breakaway Kosovo

The European Union’s 27 nations were divided today over whether to recognise Kosovo’s statehood after the province unilaterally declares independence from Serbia.

Diplomats said about 20 EU nations – led by Britain, France, Germany and Italy - are keen to recognise Kosovo’s break from Serbia. However, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Romania are vehemently against it. Slovakia, too, has voiced doubts but could move toward recognising Kosovo’s statehood, diplomats said.