Portugal Considers Palestinian State Recognition

Lisbon to Consult Parties and President Amid Diplomatic Shifts

Portugal is set to engage in high-level discussions regarding the potential recognition of a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced on Thursday. This move positions Portugal to potentially join a growing bloc of nations taking a stance on the issue.

Government Initiates Consultations

The Portuguese government has decided to initiate consultations with the nation’s leading political factions and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The aim is to explore the possibility of acknowledging a Palestinian state, with a potential conclusion anticipated around the UN General Assembly in September.

“The government decided to promote consultations with the president and the political parties represented in parliament with a view to consider the recognition of the Palestinian state in a process that could be concluded…at the UN General Assembly in September,” Montenegro said in a statement.

This development follows a series of diplomatic actions by other European nations. Ireland and Norway recognized a Palestinian state in 2024, mirroring Spain’s decision from the previous year. French President Emmanuel Macron recently signaled his country’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

Broader Diplomatic Landscape

The announcements from Lisbon come at a time of heightened global attention to the conflict in Gaza. France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Malta have all made statements regarding Palestinian statehood, albeit with varying conditions. These international moves occur against a backdrop of widespread global concern over Israel’s conduct in the war against Hamas.

Globally, approximately 144 of the UN’s 193 member states already recognize Palestine as a sovereign entity, predominantly from the Global South. However, within the European Union, only a few, primarily former Communist states like Romania and Bulgaria, have formally recognized Palestine.

Israel has reacted strongly to these recognitions, accusing nations of rewarding what it terms terrorism and potentially hindering efforts to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza.

International Context

The issue of Palestinian statehood has become a focal point in international diplomacy. As of early 2024, 139 out of 193 UN member states had officially recognized Palestine, reflecting broad support across many regions of the world. However, consensus remains elusive among European Union members, highlighting the complex geopolitical considerations involved.