Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia on February 17 2008 in an act that is bound to stir a lot of international controversy in the weeks to come. So far, no country has officially recognised the province's independence, but that is expected to change on February 18.

Although Kosovo has the support of the US and most European Union (EU) countries, there is also a number of states fearing the secession would trigger an avalanche of similar separatist acts.

Foreign ministers from the EU's 27 member states are holding a scheduled meeting on February 18, with Kosovo shooting to the top of its agenda after it decided to unilaterally declare independence. It has been speculated, even, that the date was chosen for that very reason.

A host of EU members are expected to recognise Kosovo's independence, including the UK, France and Germany, while others said they had serious concerns on the issue. Somewhat surprisingly, the US, which was expected to be recognise the newly-born state as soon as possible, was yet to do so.

Shortly after Kosovo declared its independence, Serbian president Boris Tadic and prime minister Vojislav Kostunica said Belgrade would continue considering Kosovo an integral part of its territory and would never recognize its independence. On the night of February 17, some Serbians even attacked the US embassy in Belgrade, as well as the embassy of Slovenia, the country currently holding the rotating EU presidency.

Russia has said Kosovo's independence declaration should be declared null and void, while China declared it was deeply by Kosovo's act and said talks with Serbia should be renewed. An emergency UN Security Council meeting has been called for February 18 to discuss the issue.

EU members Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Spain and Slovakia have also expressed their concerns and reservations, fearing Kosovo's recognition would urge separatist movements in other problematic regions.