European Bloc Shifts Middle East Policy as France Leads Recognition of Palestine
PARIS -In a significant diplomatic move that reshapes Europe’s stance on the Middle East, France, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Malta officially recognized the State of Palestine on Monday, with Belgium and Andorra outlining conditional paths to follow suit.
In a powerful collective statement at the United Nations in New York on Monday, a bloc of European nations signaled a major shift in policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. France, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Malta formally recognized the State of Palestine, a move long sought by Palestinian authorities.
The announcement, made during a high-level international conference, underscores a growing European impetus toward a two-state solution. However, the immediate unity of the bloc was tempered by nuanced positions from other members.
Belgium, while supporting the move, attached clear conditions for its full legal recognition. Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that recognition would only proceed “once all captives are released and Hamas is removed from governance in Palestine.” The Belgian government confirmed that practical steps like opening an embassy would follow these conditions, aligning with the New York Declaration.
Echoing a conditional approach, Andorra announced its intention to recognize Palestine once certain security and governance benchmarks are met. Andorran Foreign Minister Imma Tor Faus emphasized that a future Palestinian state must be “demilitarized” and governed by a “reformed authority” that excludes Hamas.
“When the conditions are in place, and if we can guarantee the full regional integration of Israel, this recognition will take its effect,” Faus told the assembly.
This coordinated, yet differentiated, action by several European countries marks one of the most substantial diplomatic developments in the conflict in recent years, increasing international pressure for a renewed peace process centered on the two-state solution. The decisions are likely to be closely analyzed for their impact on the European Union’s common foreign policy and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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