Kosovo on Tuesday marked the 16th anniversary of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) landmark advisory opinion, which concluded that the country’s 2008 declaration of independence did not violate international law.
On July 22, 2010, the ICJ ruled by 10 votes to four that Kosovo’s declaration of independence was consistent with international law, rejecting Serbia’s claims that the move was illegal.
The advisory opinion was delivered by then-ICJ President Hisashi Owada, who stated that “the adoption of the declaration of independence of 17 February 2008 did not violate general international law.”
The proceedings before the Hague-based court were initiated following a request by Serbia, which sought an advisory opinion through the United Nations General Assembly on the legality of Kosovo’s declaration of independence.
The ICJ concluded that international law contains no prohibition on declarations of independence, a decision widely regarded as a major legal and diplomatic victory for Kosovo. The ruling paved the way for additional countries to recognize Kosovo as an independent state.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. According to the Kosovo authorities, the country has since been recognized by 118 states and continues efforts to secure additional international recognition and membership in international organizations.
Sixteen years later, the ICJ’s advisory opinion remains one of the most significant legal milestones in Kosovo’s state-building process and continues to serve as a key international legal reference supporting the legitimacy of its independence.
