Slovenia Officially Recognizes Palestinian State
Slovenia became the latest EU country to recognize Palestine 'as a sovereign and independent state' on Tuesday, following similar moves made by Spain, Ireland, and Norway last week....
Facts
- Slovenia became the latest EU country to recognize Palestine 'as a sovereign and independent state' on Tuesday, following similar moves made by Spain, Ireland, and Norway last week.1
- As many as 52 lawmakers voted in favor of recognizing the State of Palestine, and no one voted against the decision in the 90-member parliament.2
- The Slovenian Democratic Party, the country's largest opposition party, had demanded a referendum on the issue, which Prime Minister Robert Golob's ruling coalition rejected.3
- In 2009, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considered the idea of establishing two independent states under alleged pressure from the Obama administration. However, following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, the latter said recognizing the statehood of Palestine would be a 'reward for terror.'2
- Of the EU's 27 member-states, 11 now recognize a Palestinian state. European Council Pres. Charles Michel supports Palestinian statehood as a way for the EU to ask for 'important steps in terms of reforms.'4
- Over 140 nations — two-thirds of the UN — recognize Palestine, including most Middle Eastern, African, Latin American, and Asian countries.5
Sources: 1Reuters, 2CNN, 3Associated Press, 4POLITICO and 5Arabnews.
Narratives
- Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Guardian. Spain, Ireland, and Norway acknowledged Palestinian statehood at the end of May, paving the path for other EU governments, including France and Germany, to follow suit and press for a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Slovenia's message is clear: It's about being on the right side of history.
- Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Timesofisrael. European countries taking action against Israel by recognizing Palestinian statehood is nothing short of a call for the elimination of the State of Israel. They are becoming complicit in the incitement of genocide and war crimes against Jews. EU states should focus on fostering trust and respect between the parties rather than imposing outcomes.
