ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the relations between Kosovo and Belgium before and particularly after Kosovo's independence. In 1999, Belgium participated in the political efforts and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military campaign against Serbia in order to stop the war in Kosovo. From 1999 to 2008, Belgium voiced support for and helped with state-building in Kosovo, through participation in the international missions. Belgium was one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo's independence in 2008. Diplomatic relations between the two states were established soon after and both maintain regular contacts. The mutual recognition and the development of good relations between Kosovo and Belgium are driven by their broader commitments to Western structures and alliances. This chapter contextualizes and explains the background to the Kosovo–Belgium relations. It also focuses on the recognition of Kosovo's independence by Belgium and the establishment of bilateral relations between the two states. Moreover, it highlights the major aspects of contemporary Kosovo–Belgium bilateral relations. Finally, the chapter reflects on the importance of the Kosovo Albanian diaspora in particular and the Albanian diaspora in general in fostering and nurturing the relationship between the two countries.
