It has been widely speculated that the European province of Kosovo will declare independence from the Serbian state later this month or early in February. President of the EFAy, Rhisiart Tal-e-bot, argues that it is the responsibility of the EFAy and other like minded European organisations to support the political youth movements in Kosovo in their aim for self determination.

"Despite international pressure, Serbia does not seem likely to allow a smooth transition to independence for Kosovo. On the 26 th December the Serbian Parliament even adopted a Parliamentary resolution condemning an independent Kosovo and stated that Serbia would reconsider diplomatic relations with any state that recognised it. In consideration of the fact that Belgrade is due to sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) this month, paving its way to EU membership, the Serbian resolution was either a brave or foolish move.

It is estimated that as many as two thirds of EU member states are ready to recognise Kosovo as an independent country, with the USA also being in favour and the Russian Federation being firmly against. This is an area of Europe where politics has never been very simple and has seen more violence and political unrest in Europe than at any time since the end of WWII. In fact trouble has constantly dogged the population of ethnic Albanians and Serbs (which today stands at around two million) for a long time before that. The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) currently governs the province, along with the local Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG), with security provided by the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) and for many in the international community this is a situation that is far from ideal.

A peaceful transition to independence for Kosovo would be beneficial for the other nations of Europe who are currently seeking greater autonomy and/or independence. A Europe of small states would put those other nations who are seeking self determination in a stronger position to demand their own independence. In addition a more or less peaceful transition to independence will show the world that small nations can become safely independent - even in a hugely volatile nation like Kosovo - and that it is the responsibility of the international community to support this goal in the face of fierce opposition from individual states.

Commenting on the independence of Kosovo early in 2007, President Putin of the Russian Federation commented in an interview published in French newspaper Le Figaro:

"In the West, this solution will set off separatists in Europe. Look at Scotland, Catalonia, the Basque Country…"

Independence for Kosovo is likely to encourage nationalist movements across Europe, but it is highly unlikely that they will pursue a 'separatist' agenda outside of the EU, as Putin and other commentators have suggested. Rather it is highly likely that future independent nations in Europe would choose to remain part of the EU, although it is unknown exactly how this transition would occur. It has even been rumoured that the Scottish Nationalist Party in Scotland has approached some European institutions to find out if it would have to 're-apply' for membership of the EU, if it declared independence, being as it is already part of the EU within the UK state.

It is unlikely that the Serbian Government's attitude will change towards Kosovo even if Serbia's pro European Democratic Party wins the Serbian Presidential elections, the first round of which will be held on 20 th January. The EFAy should lead the way in supporting the progressive and democratic youth movements in Kosovo, and encourage other European youth movements in Europe to do the same, to ensure that a smooth and peaceful transition to independence is achieved.”