Thousands of wildly cheering pro-independence demonstrators marched through Kosovo's capital, Pristina, on Dec. 10 as a sense of euphoria swept the breakaway province preparing to gain statehood early next year.

Giddy Kosovars, assured of staunch U.S. support and a promise of recognition from all but one EU country reveled in hopes that a decades-old dream may finally be within reach despite fierce opposition by Serbia and Russia.

EU foreign ministers meeting Dec. 10 in Belgium said they had "virtual unanimity" on recognizing Kosovo's eventual independence, with Cyprus the sole holdout.