The Hindu: Published on 12 September 2025.
Why in News?
Several European countries — Spain, Ireland, and Norway — have officially recognised the State of Palestine, marking a major diplomatic shift in Europe’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The move comes amid the war in Gaza after the October 7 attacks and Israel’s military response, which created a humanitarian catastrophe.
Recognition is seen as a way to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution, as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has openly rejected it.
This recognition has triggered wider debate in Europe, with France signalling readiness to recognise Palestine “at the right moment,” while Germany and Austria remain hesitant.
At the EU level, unanimity is required, so a collective stance is unlikely; instead, a “like-minded group” of states is coordinating recognition to build momentum.
Why are European nations now moving to recognise Palestine?
War in Gaza as a catalyst:
The October 7 Hamas attacks and Israel’s large-scale military response created a humanitarian crisis.
The destruction and civilian suffering have made the old status quo untenable for many European governments.
Collapse of the two-state framework:
Israeli PM Netanyahu’s rejection of the two-state solution undermines decades of diplomatic consensus.
Recognition is seen not as a “final reward” for peace but as a way to preserve the possibility of two states.
International legal pressure:
The ICJ case accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention has pushed Europe to act.
Recognition becomes a way to show commitment to international law.
Ukraine war effect:
Europe’s strong stance on Ukraine’s sovereignty exposed contradictions in its inaction on Palestine.
To avoid hypocrisy, governments are re-aligning with a more consistent foreign policy stance.
Domestic political pressures
Public opinion, student protests, human rights groups, and progressive political bases demand action.
Leaders face rising electoral costs if they remain passive.
Why are some countries moving faster than others?
Spain, Ireland, Norway – Longstanding sympathy for Palestine, left-leaning governments, tradition of social democratic internationalism.
Norway – As host of the 1993 Oslo Accords, recognition now signals the negotiated path has failed.
Germany, Austria – Deep historical responsibility due to the Holocaust; unwavering commitment to Israel slows recognition.
Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary) – Recognised Palestine during the Soviet era, but today align closely with the U.S. and prioritise transatlantic unity.
Can the European Union coordinate a unified response?
EU decision-making limits:
The EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy requires unanimity, which is impossible due to divisions.
Therefore, recognition decisions are left to individual states.
“Like-minded group” coordination:
Spain, Ireland, and Norway deliberately acted together to amplify impact.
This creates momentum and political cover for others, even without EU-wide unanimity.
De facto EU shift:
While a single official EU stance is unlikely soon, coordinated national recognitions are shaping Europe’s collective posture.
Symbolically, Europe is moving from passivity to asserting a values-driven stance on the two-state solution.
Big Picture:
Recognition does not resolve the conflict, but it signals a moral and political shift.
It shows Europe wants to project consistency, credibility, and values on the global stage.
In essence, the move reflects geopolitical urgency, moral responsibility, and domestic political pressure converging at once.
