The Portuguese government remains committed to recognise Palestine as a state, but is counting on maximum support within the EU.
A source from the Portuguese foreign ministry reported that Lisbon took a mediating position in the EU on the issue and therefore “in consultations with various states to reach the greatest consensus and bring the greatest number of countries to the solution” of the two states: Israel and Palestine, according to Euractiv.
It’s just a question of the moment.
The source also emphasised that the Portuguese head of diplomacy, Paulo Rangel, had already expressed the government’s position on several occasions. He stated on May 12 that he would not join Spain in recognising the sovereignty of Palestinian statehood, explaining that Portugal was waiting for “the most opportune moment to take that step.”
In late 2023, former Foreign Minister João Gomes Cravinho said that Portugal’s recognition of Palestine “is something that should happen” but in coordination with “some close partners” and at a “moment with consequences for peace.”
Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced their decision to recognise Palestinian independence from May 28. Meanwhile, Slovenia announced that it would join the recognition of a Palestinian state “in the coming days,” Prime Minister Robert Golob announced. It is expected to follow the suit be June 13.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defined the territory of a Palestinian state as “Gaza, the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Israel responded to the joint initiative by recalling its ambassadors from the three countries. The recognition came after a growing number of European leaders and officials indicated they would support a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Italy’s former PM and head of the 5-Star Movement (M5S), Giuseppe Conte, said on X that Italy should also recognise Palestine.
Spain, Ireland and Norway officially announce their recognition of the State of Palestine. Italy must do it too! (…) Italy doesn’t lead, Italy doesn’t choose, Italy turns the other way.
