The International Court of Justice has rendered an Advisory Opinion holding that the unilateral declaration of independence of the Republic of Kosovo, which occurred on 17 February, 2008, did not violate international law. Though Serbia has reportedly refused to accept this ruling, the ICJ ruling ratifies the actions taken by the Government of Kosovo, and therefore operates to reduce the political, economic and social risk levels for country risk assessment purposes. Twenty-two of the twenty-seven EU members have recognised Kosovar independence to date, as have many Western nations, including the United States. 

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