Europe, Kosovo and the Russian Bear

Will Europe confront Russia over Kosovar independence? This is top on my mind today. Europe hasn't been acting so strongly towards Russia lately. One of the reasons why it might be good to have a European foreign minister is so the EU can speak as one on foreign policy issues. Otherwise, the policy is fragmented and it is each country for itself. Germany has proved this repeatedly in the last several years by negotiating separate energy contracts with Russia, for instance. And the EU has unfortunately shot down the idea of a foreign minister in its recent treaty negotiations. So, it looks like business as usual when it comes to external relations.

What does it all mean to the people of Kosovo who demand independence from Serbia? Serbia doesn't want this and is pressuring Russia to not permit it. Russia says Kosovar independence could set a bad precedent for other regions yearning to decide their affairs independently from majority populations. Russia is likely to veto any move in the UN Security Council to grant independence. What will Europe do? Will it stand up to the Russian Bear?