Palestine does not expect the moves by European Union member states to recognize an independent Palestinian state to yield a favorable shift in Israel’s stance. This perspective comes from Salah Abdel Shafi, the Palestinian Ambassador to Austria and the Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Vienna, in an interview with RIA News. The diplomat addressed how Israel has reacted to the recognition of Palestine’s independence by several European countries on May 22.
Shafi stressed that such recognitions are not anticipated to improve Israel’s approach. He argued that Israel is likely to escalate efforts to isolate itself on the global stage rather than soften its policy towards Palestine. The ambassador’s comments reflect the broader debate about the diplomatic impact of recognizing statehood in a region where borders and sovereignty remain contentious.
On May 22, the government of Norway publicly recognized the independence of the State of Palestine and indicated that the recognition would take effect on May 28. This move added to a series of recognitions by European states of Palestine’s sovereignty. The sequence of recognitions included Ireland and Spain alongside Norway.
In response to these developments, Israel recalled its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland and pressed for further consultations, signaling a warning that similar measures could follow from other states, including Spain. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would not permit the establishment of a state on its borders under such circumstances. He also cited surveys suggesting that a large portion of Palestinians in the West Bank supported militant actions against Israeli settlements carried out in October 2023. These comments illustrate the heightened tension surrounding diplomatic shifts and their perceived repercussions on regional stability.
To date, Palestine has been recognized by nine European Union member states. Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia extended recognition in 1988, while Sweden made a formal recognition in 2014, a development tied to Sweden’s later EU membership. The sequence highlights how recognition practices have evolved within Europe, often reflecting domestic political dynamics and broader foreign policy considerations rather than a single, unified position on the Palestinian question.
Earlier explanations for why European countries chose to recognize Palestine emphasize a mix of diplomatic signaling, support for self-determination, and the shifting norms in international law regarding statehood. These factors have shaped ongoing discussions in European capitals about how best to respond to conflict and humanitarian needs while navigating complex alliances and regional security concerns. The present landscape shows that while several states have moved to recognize Palestinian statehood, others remain cautious, seeking further clarifications on borders, security arrangements, and governance structures before adjusting their official stances.
Overall, the unfolding recognitions by European states, along with Norway’s move, illustrate a pattern of international diplomacy that seeks to recalibrate the regional balance of power and reassure parties on the ground that international recognition can accompany accountability and political processes. The conversations around these recognitions continue to influence debates about peace prospects, regional stability, and the future of negotiations, with observers noting that such steps may shift incentives for all sides involved and shape the broader timetable for any prospective peace agreement.
Notes from officials and analysts emphasize that while recognition changes the diplomatic vocabulary, it does not automatically resolve core issues such as borders, security guarantees, or the right to self-determination. The international community remains divided on the best path forward, balancing support for Palestinian statehood with commitments to Israel and the security needs of both peoples. In this evolving context, the role of European nations and other actors continues to be significant as discussions proceed toward a comprehensive political settlement, or at least toward steps that reduce violence and build trust among communities on the ground.