16 years since the ICJ advisory opinion that supported Kosovo’s independence

Today marks the 16th anniversary of the publication of the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which found that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not constitute a violation of international law.

On July 22, 2010, the ICJ judging panel ruled with 10 votes in favor and 4 against in favor of Kosovo, rejecting Serbia’s argument that the act of declaring independence was contrary to international legal norms.

The then-President of the Court, Hisashi Owada, was the one who read the ruling, emphasizing that “the adoption of the declaration of independence of 17 February 2008 did not violate general international law.”

This judicial issue was initiated after Serbia’s initiative, which through the UN General Assembly requested an advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

The opinion given by the ICJ was interpreted as a significant legal and diplomatic triumph for Kosovo, as it confirmed that international law does not prohibit declarations of independence. Following this act, a wave of states continued to recognize the Republic of Kosovo.

Kosovo’s independence was declared on February 17, 2008. To date, the new state has been recognized by 117 countries, while efforts continue for integration into international organizations and increasing the number of recognitions.

The decision of July 22, 2010, stands as one of the defining moments in Kosovo’s legal and state-building history, serving as an essential reference point for defending the legitimacy of its independence on the global stage.