Ioannis Armakolas and James Ker-Lindsay: The Politics of Recognition and Engagement: EU Member State Relations with Kosovo

Abstract

This edited volume explores the different ways in which members of the
European Union have interacted with Kosovo since it declared
independence in 2008. While there is a tendency to think of EU states in
terms of two distinct groups – those that have recognised Kosovo and those
that have not – the picture is more complex. Taking into account also the
quality and scope of their engagement with Kosovo, there are four broad
categories of member states that can be distinguished: the strong and
weak recognisers and the soft and hard non-recognisers. In addition to
casting valuable light on the relations between various EU members and
Kosovo, this book also makes an important contribution to the way in which
the concepts of recognition and engagement, and their relationship to each
other, are understood in academic circles and by policy makers.