European Nations Shift: France Plans to Recognize Palestine in September
(MENAFN) A significant transformation is unfolding in European diplomacy as France prepares to officially recognize the State of Palestine this September, aligning itself with an increasing number of European nations taking the same step.
Within the past year, Norway, Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia have all formally acknowledged Palestinian statehood, signaling a growing continental trend. France’s forthcoming recognition is poised to dramatically accelerate this momentum, marking the first endorsement from a G7 nation and a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Although support for Palestine has long existed within the European Union, the political landscape surrounding official recognition is evolving. Currently, 11 EU member states acknowledge Palestine; France’s move will raise this figure to nearly half of the 27-member bloc.
A group of Eastern European countries—Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Greek Cyprus—were early recognizers of Palestine, dating back to 1988. Western and Northern Europe, however, remained largely reluctant until Sweden’s recognition in 2014, which stood as a rare and isolated event for almost ten years, drawing diplomatic pushback from Israel and several major European powers.
This stalemate began to shift sharply after October 7, 2023, when Israel intensified military strikes, prompting European governments to reconsider the consequences of remaining diplomatically inactive.
Facing growing public outcry and accusations of complicity in Israel’s actions, several European states moved toward recognizing Palestine as a way to dissociate themselves from the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis.
Who has recognized Palestine—and who might next?
In a coordinated effort in May 2024, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognized Palestine, aiming to redirect European focus toward political resolutions for the Middle East war. These nations expressed hope that their unified stance would inspire further recognition across Europe.
Slovenia joined the list in June 2024, becoming the fourth European country to grant recognition since hostilities escalated last year.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently declared France’s intention to recognize Palestine, a decision that adds substantial diplomatic influence to the growing movement.
Yet Macron’s announcement builds on France’s longstanding position favoring a two-state solution—though so far, only Israel has been officially recognized by Paris.
Since October 7, 2023, Macron has denounced the attacks on Gaza while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself.
However, as civilian casualties in Gaza increased and allegations of complicity intensified, France shifted its stance, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
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