The European Union on Monday moved a step closer to giving unified support for an independent Kosovo, acknowledging that a United Nations-sponsored attempt to negotiate a settlement for the breakaway province had failed.

However, Cyprus, one of the EU’s smallest states, continued resolutely to oppose any recognition of an independent Kosovo, fearing such a move would give a powerful boost to separatists on its own territory. Spain also expressed misgivings about the move, according to diplomats.