By Deborah Oyekale
While many countries in Europe have histories stretching back hundreds of years, several countries on the continent are relatively new.
Most of them were formed in the 1990s and 2000s following the break-up of larger states.
Here are the 5 newest countries in Europe:
1. Kosovo
Kosovo is the youngest country in Europe. It declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. The declaration came after years of conflict and international administration. Today, Kosovo is recognized by more than 100 countries, including the United States and most EU members. It has its own government, currency, and flag, but its status remains disputed with Serbia.
2. Montenegro
Montenegro became an independent country on June 3, 2006. It separated from Serbia after citizens voted for independence in a national referendum. The small Adriatic nation quickly joined the United Nations and later began talks to join the European Union. Known for its coastline and mountains, Montenegro is now one of Europe’s newest democracies.
3. Serbia
Serbia also became an independent state on June 3, 2006. That was the same day Montenegro left their shared union. Serbia was the larger partner in the former “Serbia and Montenegro” and continued as the legal successor state. Since then, Serbia has focused on economic reform and EU membership talks while managing regional relations in the Balkans.
4. Czechia
Czechia, also called the Czech Republic, was formed on January 1, 1993. It was created when Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two countries in what was known as the “Velvet Divorce.” Czechia became a market economy, joined NATO in 1999, and the European Union in 2004. Prague, its capital, is now one of Europe’s top tourist and business destinations.
5. Slovakia
Slovakia was also formed on January 1, 1993, alongside Czechia. The split was peaceful and both countries agreed to go separate ways. Slovakia joined NATO and the EU at the same time as Czechia. It later adopted the euro in 2009 and has grown into one of Central Europe’s key manufacturing hubs.
These five countries show how much Europe has changed in the last 30 years. From peaceful splits to contested independence, each new nation has had to build its own institutions, economy, and place in the world.
Vanguard News
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