Brussels: The European Parliament (EP) in Brussels on Wednesday witnessed the Kosovo delegation appearing in EP under the flag of “independent Kosovo”. This was the first time this flag was officially hoisted at one of the EU institutions.

Despite opposition voiced by Greek MP Ani Podimata, the flag was hoisted next to that of the EU at the the “first inter-parliamentary meeting between the EP and Kosovo assembly”. Podimata said, “It is not in our jurisdiction to decide on the status of Kosovo as an independent state.” The opposition was however rejected by chair of the meeting and EP Delegation to South-East Europe Doris Pack.

Pack said, “Kosovo’s constitution is envisaged under the Ahtisaari plan and we supported the plan with a two-third majority at the EP, and that’s why this meeting is held with Kosovo’s flag.”

The Kosovo assembly delegation was headed by speaker Jakup Krasniqi and deputy premier Ram Manaj. The meeting was also attended by European Commission representative Genoveva Ruiz Calavera.