A powerful symbol and a bold diplomatic strategy were brought to the European stage this week by Estonian MEP Riho Terras, who stood with the flag of the Republic of Kosovo at his side while presenting his latest report on Kosovo in the European Parliament.
What captured attention was not only the content of his report but also his determined call to break the status quo of non-recognition by five EU countries: Spain, Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus, and Romania.
Terras’ Diplomatic Plan
Terras announced that, alongside fellow MEPs from across the political spectrum, he plans to conduct direct visits to the ambassadors of these five countries in Brussels to demand clear answers as to why they still do not recognize Kosovo’s independence.
“After so many years, this non-recognition is simply ridiculous,” Terras stated firmly and unapologetically.
Messages to the EU and to Kosovo
In his report, Terras called for:
- The immediate lifting of EU punitive measures against Kosovo, which have been in place since June 2023.
- Full support for Kosovo’s EU integration efforts, including opening new chapters in the normalization dialogue with Serbia.
- Urgent and meaningful institutional reforms in Kosovo, to align more closely with EU standards.
Although the recommendations of MEPs like Terras are not legally binding for the European Commission or Council, they carry significant political and moral weight, especially when accompanied by symbolic acts—like standing beside Kosovo’s flag in the heart of EU decision-making.
A New Ray of Hope for International Recognition
Terras’ move comes at a time when Kosovo’s diplomacy is facing considerable challenges. His plan for five major recognitions is more than symbolic—it is a direct challenge to the diplomatic gridlock that has stalled Kosovo’s international status for over a decade.
In Brussels, the flag of Kosovo wasn’t just beside a parliamentarian—it stood beside a voice demanding diplomatic justice.
