ABSTRACT
France was one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo's independence in 2008. The question addressed in this chapter is about the current level of interactions and how they serve to consolidate state-building and full recognition of Kosovo's independence. Methodologically, the work in this chapter is based on a qualitative and comparative approach that combines a historical and analytical understanding of the interaction between change and continuity of the relations between France and Kosovo, before and after recognition of independence. It also offers a rigorous treatment of key contemporary issues from a longue durée perspective. For a detailed and perceptible description of France and Kosovo relations, the issues of density of linkages established between state and non-state actors, the possibilities that countries have on influencing each other's decision-making, without neglecting the role of political elites or “gatekeepers” who hold the key to lower and/or increase the weight of pressure, will be discussed in the chapter. The policy specifics will also be discussed taking into account the regional context, competing interests within the European Union (EU) and other international and regional powers. The conclusion turns to the main points of the arguments and shows their wider importance.
