European Union policy towards secessionism in neighbouring countries

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyse EU's behaviour in the pro-secession attempts that have taken place in neighbouring third-countries. The article considers whether there was an agreement with the parent state or, on the contrary, the secessionist attempt was unilateral. It also reviews whether a legal procedure was followed. It is shown that the EU has always rejected those independence movements carried out unilaterally, except in the case of Kosovo, where gross human rights violations were committed. Furthermore, recently the EU has also demanded a respect for the Rule of Law in the pro-independence process (e.g. Montenegro's independence).