Columbia University

According to David L. Phillips, director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights. Brussels insists on normalizing relations with Kosovo before it can enter the European Union (EU). So far, 114 nations have recognized Kosovo’s independence. However, Serbia fights Kosovo’s efforts to gain greater recognition globally. It also supports private parallel structures in northern Kosovo, which undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty and foment disorder among Kosovo Serbs. The Kosovo-Serbia conflict can be resolved through more effective international mediation. Diplomacy works best when Europe and the United States work together.