Austria–Kosovo relations

Austrian–Kosovan relations are foreign relations between Austria and the Republic of Kosovo. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 17 February 2008 and Austria recognised it in 28 February 2008.^[1] Austria has an embassy in Pristina since 20 March 2008.^[2] The Kosovan embassy in Berlin is accredited to Austria.^[3]

Relations

On 25 March 2011 Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger stated that "Austria intends to increase its efforts to gain recognition for Kosovo's independence by all of the EU countries, Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said Friday, commenting on his visit to Kosovo... [and that] Kosovo needs to show the sceptical countries within the EU that it is doing what is necessary to protect its minorities".^[4]

Military

Austria currently has 606 troops serving in Kosovo as peacekeepers in the NATO led Kosovo Force.^[5]

See also

• Foreign relations of Austria
• Foreign relations of the Republic of Kosovo

References and notes

Kosovo is the subject of a territorial dispute between the Republic of Serbia and the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo. The latter declared independence on 17 February 2008, while Serbia claims it as part of its own sovereign territory. Its independence is recognised by 86 UN member states.