EU Approves Kosovo Constitution

Kosovo’s government has prepared a draft Constitution which has been approved by a European Union official. The document guarantees individual and minority rights.

Pieter Feith, head of the European Union-led civilian mission in Kosovo approved the new country’s Constitution on April 2, 2008. The document guarantees individual, community and minority rights, including those of the Serb minority.

Kosovo’s Constitution still needs to be formally approved by the country’s 120-seat assembly. It is expected to come into effect on June 15, the day the local government is scheduled to take over authority from the United Nation’s mission.

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008. EU approval of the country’s Constitution was required to make sure it was in line with the international agreement that allowed for Kosovo’s secession.

Serbia and Russia still oppose the secession and refuse to recognize Kosovo as an independent state. As a member of the U.N. Security Council, Russia’s defiance means that Kosovo’s independence has not been recognized by the United Nations.

The lawmakers in Kosovo have obviously been busy drafting the country’s Constitution. It is very encouraging that it has gained EU approval more than two months before it needs to come into effect.

Independence is one thing, but the ability to self-rule can be much more complicated. This announcement is a positive step forward in Kosovo’s quest for recognition, absolute independence and self-rule.