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Article of the week Foreign Policy April 30, 2024

Potential Recognition of Palestinian State by European Nations Looms, Says EU Foreign Policy Chief

Photo: Reuters

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has indicated that several European states are considering the recognition of the Palestinian state by the end of May. This announcement came during a special meeting of the World Economic Forum held in Riyadh. Although Borrell did not specify which European states are contemplating this move, the development marks a significant potential shift in the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East. The recognition of a Palestinian state has been a subject of international debate, with various countries holding differing views on the matter. The European Union has long been involved in the peace process between Israel and Palestine, advocating for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. However, the EU’s member states have not reached a consensus on the unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, with some countries recognizing Palestine and others opting for a more cautious approach.

Norway, although not a member state of the European Union, has expressed a similar sentiment. The Norwegian foreign minister publicly stated, “we really want to recognize the Palestinian state.” Norway’s position adds weight to the ongoing discussions within Europe and could influence other non-EU European countries.

The move towards recognition comes at a time of heightened attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Proponents of recognition believe that acknowledging Palestinian statehood could help reinvigorate the stalled peace talks and bolster the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority as a partner in negotiations.

Critics of unilateral recognition argue that such a step might undermine the peace process by bypassing direct negotiations between the two parties. Israel has consistently maintained that any recognition of Palestinian statehood should come as a result of a negotiated peace deal, and not through unilateral declarations.

The potential recognition by European states would add to the number of countries that recognize Palestine as a state. Currently, over 130 of the 193 United Nations member states have recognized the State of Palestine, a move that has symbolic importance and can have implications for international relations and negotiations.

As the European states consider this diplomatic move, all eyes will be on the reactions from Israel, Palestine, and other international stakeholders. The recognition of the Palestinian state could lead to a new dynamic in the Middle East conflict, influencing the approach to peace and the future of both Israelis and Palestinians.

The international community will be awaiting further details and confirmation in the coming weeks, as the end of May approaches. The decision of whether or not to recognize the Palestinian state remains a sovereign choice for each nation, and it is yet to be seen how many and which European states will make this historic decision.

By Cora Sulleyman

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