Spain is positioning itself for a future recognition of the State of Palestine. This move is already adopted by 10 of the 27 European Union member states and by 139 of the 193 United Nations members. The Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, had pledged to pursue recognition as early as 2015, but no concrete steps were taken until now. He reiterated the commitment in his opening address last week and emphasized that any step would be taken in close coordination with European partners.
In this context, Jose Manuel Albares spoke in Madrid with his EU colleagues about the possibility of recognition, following a meeting of the Med-9 group in the Spanish capital. Med-9 includes Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Slovenia and Croatia. Albares noted that recognition of the State of Palestine is among the topics under discussion and stressed a unified approach with Europe. He also described a shared decision to pursue recognition in a manner that supports peace and stability in the Middle East.
Albares reaffirmed Spain’s stance, saying that recognition is a fair step for the Palestinian people and that it could contribute to reducing violence and enhancing regional security for both Palestinians and Israelis. He underscored a clear preference for recognizing Palestine after careful consideration and within a framework that advances security and stability in the region.
Countries pursuing recognition include several EU members, while others remain cautious. Germany and Israel have expressed reservations about any move that could affect security dynamics, explaining that a constructive approach is needed and that recognition should align with broader peace efforts. Moncloa has clarified that Spain remains open to recognition but insists on timing and method that help resolve the conflict rather than simply signaling support.
An earlier parliamentary proposal from 2014 urged the government to recognize Palestine as a state, arguing that such recognition should be the result of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians and coordinated with the European Union. This stance continues to influence current discussions.
The ministers in the Med-9 session also discussed the possibility of an Israel-Palestine peace summit. Albares suggested beginning efforts to gather international support for such a gathering, a move that would involve wide participation from the European Union, the Arab League and Islamic Conference nations. The idea echoes the spirit of the Madrid Conference of 1991 and the Oslo Accords that began in the early 1990s. The objective remains the full implementation of a two-state solution, with a durable process addressing borders and security concerns.
The present conflict has caused extensive harm. Israel has faced casualties and sustained damage following the Hamas attacks on October 7, while the Gaza Strip has suffered substantial losses and destruction. The casualty figures reported by the Gaza health authorities indicate a toll that has risen sharply since early November. These realities underscore the urgency for a diplomacy-led path toward peace rather than episodic actions.
Sánchez plans to outline Spain’s position on recognition and the future peace process during upcoming visits to Israel, Palestine and Egypt. The agenda includes meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The government emphasizes that a sustained and inclusive diplomatic effort is essential, and it notes that structuring a credible peace process requires broad participation from both Israeli and Palestinian sides, as well as regional and international partners.
Officials indicate that the current moment does not call for setting a date for a peace conference. Still, a horizon of six months is considered a possible timeframe for convening a comprehensive peace summit with wide participation. The aim is to move beyond sporadic violence and daily security concerns toward a concerted diplomatic push. A multi-party gathering would be required, including Israel, Palestine, and major regional and international actors, to advance a viable framework for peace.
In Barcelona, representatives from Israel and Palestine are expected to participate in the upcoming Union for the Mediterranean summit. Diplomatic sources say the level of participation is yet to be confirmed. The Union for the Mediterranean brings together the 27 EU member states and 15 partner countries from North Africa, the Middle East and Southeastern Europe. The organization operates from the Royal Palace of Pedralbes in Barcelona, Spain, and serves as a forum for dialogue on regional issues and cooperation.