Kosovo is closer of being a member in the Council of Europe. The Ministerial Committee of the Council of Europe has decided to forward the request for Kosovo’s membership to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Regarding this decision, there were 33 votes in favor, seven against and five abstentions.

The countries that voted against Kosovo’s membership: Spain, Romania, Cyprus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Serbia, and Hungary as the biggest surprise considering the fact that Hungary recognizes Kosovo’s independence. Greece, Slovakia, Ukraine and Bosnia abstained, while Armenia did not vote at all.

The Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabic, has canceled her participation in the Delphi economic forum in Greece due to Athens’ position on Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe.

Georgos Katrougalos, professor of Public Law, former Foreign Minister of Greece said in an interview for Euronews Albania that there is no change in Greece’s position towards the recognition of Kosovo since Greece is an agreement accepted by both sides.

“You all know, Greece is one of the 4 EU countries that does not recognize Kosovo’s independence. Our position is explained by the fact that we want to avoid conflicts in the Balkans, so we want solutions that are accepted by both sides in accordance with international law. We are in favor of direct dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. There is no change in Greece’s attitude towards the recognition of Kosovo, and as we have said, we want an acceptable agreement that solves the problems in the Balkans, as was done with the Prespa agreement that ended the conflict between Greece and the Republic of Macedonia”, said the former – the Greek Foreign Minister.