Since there are seven EU countries still in the process of deciding to recognize Kosovo as independent and sovereign, this does not potentially pose a problem for Kosovo’s integration process in the European Union. 

 

"This process is completely separate from that of Serbia, and EU treats Kosovo as an independent country applying for membership," said the chief of European Union office in Kosovo, Renzo Daviddi during an interview for the Russian news agency Rosbalt.

The European Union official explained that the review process of Kosovo membership into EU is not an indirect recognition but direct and open, emphasizing that European Union recognizes Kosovo as an independent and sovereign nation.

Regarding the period of when Serbia and Kosovo will be integrated into EU or whether Serbia will be able to block Kosovo, the European diplomat stressed that "Serbia cannot block Kosovo and my EU colleagues in Belgrade have explained this to the Serbian authorities. These are two separate countries that will be going through the process of integration as all other independent nations."

In a question related to Kosovo's requirements to enter the European Union, the diplomat said that, "Kosovo has to commit to pursue economic development and continue to build a stable social and political environment as it is doing now."