Several European countries are considering recognizing the “State of Palestine” in the coming days, Joseph Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Friday.
The talks between officials from Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Malta have intensified recently, with the aim of the countries jointly recognizing the Palestinian state on May 21st, according to Reuters.
The report said that “the date of May 21st is under consideration and study.”
In a jointly signed statement on March 22, the prime ministers of the aforementioned countries said they had discussed their “readiness to recognize Palestine,” stressing “that we will do so when we are able to make a positive contribution and the conditions are right.”
Last Monday, the Irish government spokesperson said that, “Our work together on recognizing the State of Palestine continues, official recognition is a significant part of recognizing that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve peace and stability in the region, where the State of Palestine and the State of Israel live side by side in peace and security.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also said days ago that “Spain is publicly committed to recognizing the Palestinian state as soon as possible, when the conditions are right and in a way that has the greatest positive impact on the peace process.”
The European Union stands out as the biggest provider of foreign aid to the Palestinian Authority, while also being a member of the Quartet.
In 2014, Sweden paved the way for EU recognition of Palestine. Before becoming EU members, both Malta and Cyprus recognized Palestine. Similarly, several Central European countries did the same while under Soviet influence.
In a significant vote, the European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution in December 2014, urging recognition of a Palestinian state alongside Israel in a two-state solution. The vote resulted in 498 for, 88 against, and 111 abstentions.
In recent years, many European parliaments including Portugal, France, Spain, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Ireland and the United Kingdom approved resolutions urging their governments to recognize Palestine.
