Three of Serbia's neighbours have announced they are to recognise Kosovo's independence.
Three of Serbia's neighbours have announced they are to recognise Kosovo's independence.
Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary said in a joint statement that their decision was "based on thorough consideration" as well as the conclusions of the EU.
Bulgaria, Croatia and Hungary said their decision was "based on thorough consideration" and EU's conclusions.
The three countries expressed their intention to develop ties with Serbia.
Serbia's foreign minister said Kosovo was "an illegal state", warning that nations that had recognised it "cannot count on good relations with us".
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said Kosovo was "an illegal state" and countries that made "this move cannot count on good relations with us".
Separately, UN police began returning to the Kosovo Serb part of Mitrovica after bloody clashes there on Monday.
Belgrade insists Kosovo is still a southern province of Serbia.
The police left the northern part of the town after fighting pitched battles with Kosovo Serbs who had earlier seized a city courthouse.
Mr Jeremic said: "I call on states, particularly those of the region, not to take this step. Do not injure our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty."
A UN policeman from Ukraine was fatally wounded during the clashes, and more than 130 people - both protesters and international forces - were wounded.
Hungary was the first of the three to confirm its recognition of Kosovo.
Belgrade's warning
Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary announced their intention to recognise the authorities in Pristina in a joint statement on Wednesday.
Croatia and Hungary later officially confirmed they had recognised Kosovo and a further announcement was expected from Bulgaria on Thursday.
The foreign ministry in Budapest said that, in common with the majority of EU and Nato member states, it had decided that "internationally supervised independence may offer the best way out of the crisis".
The foreign ministry in Budapest said that, in common with the majority of EU and Nato member states, it had decided that "internationally supervised independence may offer the best way out of the crisis".
Croatian ties
Croatia is the second former Yugoslav republic to recognise Kosovo, after Slovenia.
Croatia will be the second former Yugoslav republic to recognise Kosovo, after Slovenia.
On Wednesday, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic urged Serbia's neighbours not to recognise Kosovo, warning that there would be consequences.
"I call on states, particularly those of the region, not to take this step. Do not injure our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty," he said.
Serbian President Boris Tadic had already warned Zagreb that recognising Kosovo would have an immediate negative impact on relations.
Serbian President Boris Tadic had already warned Zagreb that recognising Kosovo would have an immediate negative impact on relations.
Croatia's own declaration of independence in 1991 prompted a four-year conflict with Serb-led Yugoslavia.
Croatia's own declaration of independence in 1991 prompted a four-year conflict with Serb-led Yugoslavia.
Ties have steadily improved but Belgrade is likely to take diplomatic action.
Ties have steadily improved but Belgrade is likely to take diplomatic action.
Serbia has recalled its ambassadors from about 30 countries that have recognised Kosovo.
Serbia has recalled its ambassadors from about 30 countries that have recognised Kosovo.
The joint statement describes Kosovo's case as unique and makes it clear that Bulgaria, Croatia and Hungary will support EU and Nato efforts to maintain stability and build democracy in Kosovo.
'European orientation'
The joint statement describes Kosovo's case as unique.
It also makes it clear that Bulgaria, Croatia and Hungary will support EU and Nato efforts to maintain stability and build democracy in Kosovo.
Significantly, they base their decision on the judgements of EU leaders and foreign ministers and they express the hope that Belgrade will keep "its European orientation".
Significantly, they base their decision on the judgements of EU leaders and foreign ministers and they express the hope that Belgrade will keep "its European orientation".
Hungary and Bulgaria are both part of the 27-member EU, and Croatia is negotiating EU membership.
Hungary and Bulgaria are both part of the 27-member EU, and Croatia is negotiating EU membership.
While most EU member states have already recognised Kosovo's independence, a significant minority - including Spain, Slovakia, Romania and Cyprus - have refused to accept the declaration.
While most EU member states have already recognised Kosovo's independence, a significant minority - including Spain, Slovakia, Romania and Cyprus - have refused to accept the declaration.
Are you in Bulgaria, Croatia or Hungary? Do you agree with your government's decision to recognise Kosovo? Or are you in Serbia or Kosovo? How significant a development is this? Send us your comments using the form below.
Are you in Bulgaria, Croatia or Hungary? Do you agree with your government's decision to recognise Kosovo? Or are you in Serbia or Kosovo? How significant a development is this? Send us your comments using the form below.
