The West is Ready to Recognize the Palestinian State. EU Confirms

The head of the EU's foreign policy branch, Josep Borrell, has confirmed that Spain, Ireland, and other EU member states plan to recognize the Palestinian state on May 21, as reported by Reuters.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced in March that Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Malta have agreed to take the initial steps toward recognizing the Palestinian state, considering the recognition of the two-state solution crucial for lasting peace.

In an interview on Spanish radio station RNE, Borrell positively responded to the question of whether Spain, Ireland, and other EU nations would recognize the Palestinian state on May 21, also mentioning Slovenia.

“This is a symbolic action of a political nature. It goes beyond mere recognition of a state; it is an acknowledgment of the will of that state to exist,” he stated, adding that Belgium and others will likely follow suit.

Earlier, Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced that the decision on recognition has already been made, although he did not specify a date.

Israel has stated that plans for Palestinian recognition are a “reward for terrorism,” which it argues will diminish the prospects of resolving the Gaza conflict through negotiations.