Three of Serbia's neighbours have announced they are to recognise Kosovo's independence.
Three of Serbia's neighbours have announced they are to recognise Kosovo's independence.
Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary said in a joint statement that their decision was "based on thorough consideration" as well as the conclusions of the EU.
Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary said in a joint statement that their decision was "based on thorough consideration" as well as the conclusions of the EU.
The three countries expressed their intention to develop ties with Serbia.
The three countries expressed their intention to develop ties with Serbia.
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said Kosovo was "an illegal state" and countries that made "this move cannot count on good relations with us".
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said Kosovo was "an illegal state" and countries that made "this move cannot count on good relations with us".
Belgrade insists Kosovo is still a southern province of Serbia.
Belgrade insists Kosovo is still a southern province of Serbia.
Mr Jeremic said: "I call on states, particularly those of the region, not to take this step. Do not injure our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty."
Mr Jeremic said: "I call on states, particularly those of the region, not to take this step. Do not injure our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty."
Croatian ties
Croatian ties
Croatia will be the second former Yugoslav republic to recognise Kosovo, after Slovenia.
Croatia will be the second former Yugoslav republic to recognise Kosovo, after Slovenia.
Serbian President Boris Tadic had already warned Zagreb that recognising Kosovo would have an immediate negative impact on relations.
Serbian President Boris Tadic had already warned Zagreb that recognising Kosovo would have an immediate negative impact on relations.
Croatia's own declaration of independence in 1991 prompted a four-year conflict with Serb-led Yugoslavia.
Croatia's own declaration of independence in 1991 prompted a four-year conflict with Serb-led Yugoslavia.
Ties have steadily improved but Belgrade is likely to take diplomatic action.
Ties have steadily improved but Belgrade is likely to take diplomatic action.
Serbia has recalled its ambassadors from about 30 countries that have recognised Kosovo.
Serbia has recalled its ambassadors from about 30 countries that have recognised Kosovo.
The joint statement describes Kosovo's case as unique and makes it clear that Bulgaria, Croatia and Hungary will support EU and Nato efforts to maintain stability and build democracy in Kosovo.
The joint statement describes Kosovo's case as unique and makes it clear that Bulgaria, Croatia and Hungary will support EU and Nato efforts to maintain stability and build democracy in Kosovo.
Significantly, they base their decision on the judgements of EU leaders and foreign ministers and they express the hope that Belgrade will keep "its European orientation".
Significantly, they base their decision on the judgements of EU leaders and foreign ministers and they express the hope that Belgrade will keep "its European orientation".
Hungary and Bulgaria are both part of the 27-member EU, and Croatia is negotiating EU membership.
Hungary and Bulgaria are both part of the 27-member EU, and Croatia is negotiating EU membership.
All three countries are expected to confirm their recognition of Kosovo soon.
While most EU member states have already recognised Kosovo's independence, a significant minority - including Spain, Slovakia, Romania and Cyprus - have refused to accept the declaration.
While most EU member states have already recognised Kosovo's independence, a significant minority - including Spain, Slovakia, Romania and Cyprus - have refused to accept the declaration.
Are you in Bulgaria, Croatia or Hungary? Do you agree with your government's decision to recognise Kosovo? Or are you in Serbia or Kosovo? How significant a development is this? Send us your comments using the form below.
Are you in Bulgaria, Croatia or Hungary? Do you agree with your government's decision to recognise Kosovo? Or are you in Serbia or Kosovo? How significant a development is this? Send us your comments using the form below.
