Table of Contents
On Monday, Slovenia’s parliamentary group for foreign affairs endorsed the government’s decision to recognise Palestine as an independent and sovereign state. The right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), led by former premier Janez Jansa, subsequently proposed a consultative referendum on the recognition bid, which would have postponed the vote for at least a month. Despite this attempt, the parliament proceeded with an extraordinary session on Tuesday, overcoming several procedural hurdles.
The vote concluded with 52 votes in favour and zero against, as reported by Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV Slovenija. Despite the SDS’s efforts to delay the decision, the overwhelming support highlights a strong parliamentary consensus on the issue.
Slovenia Joins a Growing List of EU Nations
Slovenia’s decision places it among a growing list of EU countries that have recognised Palestinian statehood. Out of the 27 EU member states, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria had previously made this recognition. Malta has indicated it might soon follow suit. This move by Slovenia is part of a broader effort within the EU to coordinate pressure on Israel to resolve the Gaza conflict, emphasising a unified stance on Palestinian statehood.
Globally, the majority of nations recognise Palestinian statehood, with over 140 out of 193 United Nations member states having made their recognition official. The addition of more EU countries to this list underscores a shifting diplomatic approach within the bloc, aiming to influence the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through unified international pressure.
Gaza Conflict Continues
The recognition of Palestinian statehood by Slovenia and other EU countries comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas, the militant group ruling Gaza. The conflict escalated significantly after an attack by Hamas militants on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 individuals, according to Israeli reports. Currently, around 130 hostages are believed to remain captive in Gaza.
In response, Gaza health authorities have reported that over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing seven months of conflict. The international community, including the EU, has been grappling with how best to address and mitigate the violence, with some countries choosing to recognise Palestinian statehood as a means to apply diplomatic pressure on Israel.
Implications for EU-Israel Relations
Slovenia’s decision is likely to have significant implications for EU-Israel relations. Recognising Palestinian statehood is viewed by some as a contentious move that could strain diplomatic ties with Israel. However, proponents argue that it is a necessary step to push for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict and to support the Palestinian people’s aspirations for sovereignty and self-determination.
The EU has been divided on the issue of Palestinian statehood, with varying perspectives among its member states. Slovenia’s recognition may inspire other hesitant EU countries to follow suit, potentially leading to a more cohesive EU foreign policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Slovenia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood marks a significant development in EU diplomacy. By joining other European nations in this stance, Slovenia is contributing to a broader effort to address the Gaza conflict and support Palestinian sovereignty. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely to see how these diplomatic moves influence the prospects for peace in the region.
