Disunity emerged on the UN Kosovo plan at the informal EU foreign ministers' meeting (Gymnich) in Bremen on 30-31 March 2007. Member states failed to agree on a common position towards Ahtisaari's proposal, which foresees a form of supervised independence for Kosovo. However, agreement was found on more general support for efforts made by the UN special envoy.
The split is likely to be reflected in the UN Security Council, which is to decide on a resolution concerning Kosovo's future status in the coming weeks. Four member states are currently represented in the UN body; France and the UK permanent, Italy and Slovakia rotating representatives.
In particular Slovakia, Spain and Greece showed reservations towards the independence of the ethnic Albanian province from Serbia, amid fears that this could set a precedent for other European regions with secessionist aims.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier underlined that "stability and security in Kosovo is vital for Europe's security interests".
Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn warned EU member states earlier last week that a "status quo is not sustainable" in Kosovo. Addressing the European Parliament, he estimated that international financial assistance would amount to €1.3-€1.5 billion for the first three years.
Even though the outcome of the UN Security Council decision remains open, with permanent members Russia and China favouring a solution, which Serbia would agree to, the EU is already gearing up for its possible future role in the region.
In a joint report presented at the foreign ministers' meeting, EU High Representative Javier Solana and Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn outlined the state of preparations of the potential future EU and international presence in Kosovo, according to Ahtisaari's plan. Solana and Rehn foresee the international presence, which will supervise Kosovo independence, to be led by an International Civilian Representative, double-hatted as EU Special Representative.
Rehn said that the Union’s role in Kosovo would be "the largest ever civilian crisis management undertaken by the EU". He added: "That is why it is a very important test for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy."
