Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Malta are aligned in moving forward with recognizing a Palestinian state, doing so together and in unity. Twenty-four hours after placing a call for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in European Council conclusions for the first time since the October 7 attacks, the leaders of these four nations have taken another step and pledged to advance in this direction. The decision is made. It remains to be seen when, said Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister.
The leaders of the four countries, who met this Friday in Brussels on the sidelines of the European summit, signed a joint declaration stating that the only way to achieve a lasting solution and regional stability is through a two-state approach, Israel and Palestine. The brief, concise text does not specify timelines or conditions. “We have discussed our willingness to recognize Palestine and have said that we will do so when we can make a positive contribution and when the circumstances are right,” the declaration reads, signed by Sánchez, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, and Slovene Prime Minister Robert Golob.
No stranger to the idea, Spain has previously signaled its intention to recognize the Palestinian state this legislative term. What is new is that four EU countries commit in writing to act together. The move follows an EU political declaration on the Middle East crisis described as “forceful” by Sánchez after “many months of silence,” a declaration that mirrors many of Spain’s own positions. It explicitly calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, the opening of land corridors, a halt to the Rafah offensive, continued support for UNRWA, and the pursuit of a peace conference that leads to a two-state solution, the politician summarized.
Palestinian Governance
The morning session also included a meeting with Slovenia, Ireland, and Malta. The partners pledged to take steps toward recognizing the Palestinian state in a manner that supports a successful peace process. “What matters is that there are countries and governments from different parts of Europe, including major political families, that have expressed willingness to take this step,” one official commented, adding that these steps should be achieved “together” and “united.”
“This is a decisive move toward resolving the current crisis, laying the foundations for security and peace that can endure,” another participant noted, while stressing that timing must be carefully assessed as events evolve in the context of Palestinian governance. The reference pointed to the ongoing formation of a new Palestinian Authority government, without committing to concrete deadlines.
“The moment is what has to be decided. When contributing to a solution is appropriate, that is a political assessment,” the source said, reiterating that the decision has already been made. The Spanish prime minister reminded audiences that more than 130 countries have recognized the Palestinian state globally. The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, added that recognition was not discussed at the summit and remains a decision for member states to make.