Portugal to Officially Recognise Palestinian State Before EU Summit

Portugal will officially recognise a Palestinian state on Sunday, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. This significant decision comes just ahead of the upcoming High-Level Conference scheduled for next week, where discussions on various international issues are expected to take place.

The move marks a pivotal step for Portugal, which has approached the recognition of Palestine with caution. During a recent visit to the UK, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel indicated that the country was considering this recognition. Unlike Spain, which formally recognised Palestinian statehood in May 2024, alongside Ireland and Norway, Portugal has opted to seek a coordinated stance with its European partners before making a definitive announcement.

European Context of Recognition

Currently, only a handful of the EU‘s 27 member states officially recognise Palestine. These include primarily former Communist nations, along with Sweden and Cyprus. The recognition of Palestine has been a contentious issue within the EU, with varying levels of support among its members. The UN General Assembly granted Palestine “non-member state” status in November 2012, providing a form of de facto recognition that has been a basis for further diplomatic discussions.

The decision by Portugal is expected to be discussed further during the EU summit, where member states will likely review their positions on Palestinian statehood in light of international developments and regional stability. As the conference approaches, the dynamics within the EU regarding Palestine may shift, particularly as countries like Portugal take more definitive steps toward recognition.

In summary, Portugal’s announcement reflects a broader trend of growing support for Palestinian statehood among some European nations, though the majority of EU members remain hesitant. The implications of this recognition will unfold in the coming days as Portugal participates in the high-level discussions in the EU, potentially influencing the bloc’s collective approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.