The Spanish government has changed its mind and lifted its veto against Kosovo. It's been confirmed that Spain will provide sports delegations from Kosovo set to compete in Spain with the necessary visas and authorise the use of its own national symbols, anthem and flag.
Spain is the only state in Western Europe other than the Vatican to not recognise Kosovo and one of only 5 EU member states to not recognise it. This new decision follows a controversy over Spain maintaining its veto against the Balkan nation and refusing to recognise it since its unilateral declaration of independence in 2008. Spain has been worried about setting a precedent for Catalonia or the Basque Region.
On Monday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had urged the International Federations of different sports to not grant important competitions to Spain unless it recognises Kosovo. The Balkan country had been blocked by Spain from taking part in the World Karate Championship in Madrid under its own flag.
Today, the International and Spanish Olympic Committees confirmed the decision by the Spanish executive. They expressed their "maximum and public satisfaction" at the news.
EFE
A joint statement from the committees said: "Thanks to this resolution communicated today by the minister of foreign affairs, the European Union and cooperation, Mr Josep Borrell, the Spanish government has to provide sports delegations from Kosovo who may compete in Spain with the corresponding visas and authorise them to use their own national symbols, anthem and flag, in accordance with the Olympic protocol".
They added that "in this way it's ensured that sportspeople from Kosovo can participate under equal conditions with the other sportspeople of the 206 National Olympic Committees recognised by the IOC". "We want to reiterate our profound thanks for the decision adopted by the government of Spain and promoted by the prime minister, Mr Pedro Sánchez".
The two committees highlighted the "fundamental role sports and the Olympic movement play in the construction of a more inclusive and just society, in which dialogue and respect are pillars and fundamental principles".