Kosovo: History

Serbia regains control of Kosovo from the Turks during the First Balkan War.

Kosovo becomes part of the Kingdom of Serbia.

A majority of Kosovo  is controlled by Italy during World War II.

Following World War II, Kosovo is absorbed into the Yugoslav Federation.

The Yugoslav constitution recognizes Kosovo as an autonomous state, granting the province de facto self-government. 

Kosovo's autonomous status is stripped by Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. 

Ethnic Albanian leaders of Kosovo declare independence from Serbia. 

Years of ethnic tension and armed unrest culminate in a brutal Serbian crackdown on Kosovo Albanians. 

NATO launches air strikes against Yugoslavia in an attempt to stop the crackdown. Hundreds of thousands of Kosovo Albania refugees flee into neighboring countries. 

After months of air strikes, Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic withdraws his troops from Kosovo. Both NATO and the UN establish peace forces in Kosovo.

A new Serbian constitution, which was approved in a referendum vote, declares Kosovo an integral part of Serbia. 

Kosovo declares independence. The declaration is rejected by Serbs, buy recognized by the United States and other major European powers.

The International Court of Justice rules that Kosovo's declaration of independence is not illegal under international law, as was alleged by Serbia.

Serbia and Kosovo reach a landmark deal in an attempt to normalize relations between the two nations. 

Kosovo signs a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU.