Spain, Ireland, and other EU member states are considering formally recognizing the State of Palestine on May 21. Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, confirmed these plans in an interview on Spanish national radio RNE. The proposed date of May 21 was mentioned by the Spanish foreign minister, José Manuel Albares. A group of European countries, including Slovenia, Belgium, and Malta, may join in recognizing Palestine, with Belgium waiting for more countries to get on board before making a decision.
The move to recognize the State of Palestine comes as the UN General Assembly prepares to vote on a resolution to grant Palestine full membership in the United Nations. Currently, nine of the EU’s 27 member states acknowledge Palestinians’ right to a state within the 1967 borders. Malta and several eastern states have supported Palestinian statehood since 1988, with Sweden being the first EU member to unilaterally recognize it in 2014. While the EU has not unanimously backed recognition of a Palestinian state, it does support the two-state solution and provides significant aid to Palestinians.
Borrell highlighted the importance of EU member states recognizing Palestine in unison to drive progress towards peace in the conflict-ridden region. He mentioned that Slovenia and Belgium may also move towards recognition, with Malta having shown support through a declaration of intent during a European Council summit in March. The date of May 21 is not definitive, as other countries, including non-EU member Norway, may need to coordinate their actions. Borrell’s comments followed the passing of a decree in Slovenia recognizing the Palestinian state.
Efforts to recognize Palestine reflect ongoing support for the two-state solution proposed for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The recognition of a Palestinian state by certain EU member states could signal a significant step towards fostering peace and stability in the region. As the largest donor of aid to Palestinians, the EU plays a crucial role in supporting their aspirations for statehood. The willingness of more EU countries to join in recognizing Palestine could help strengthen diplomatic efforts and provide momentum for peace negotiations.
In the context of the broader Middle East peace process, the possible recognition of the State of Palestine by EU member states adds a new dimension to efforts to resolve the longstanding conflict. By affirming Palestinians’ right to statehood, European countries are signaling their commitment to advancing peace and security in the region. The potential recognition on May 21, alongside the UN General Assembly vote, underscores the international community’s interest in supporting a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As EU member states deliberate on their positions, the decision to recognize Palestine could have far-reaching implications for future negotiations and efforts towards lasting peace in the Middle East.
