Slovenia, June 8, 2024
Slovenia is the latest European Union member state to recognise a Palestinian state. The Slovenian parliament approved the decree on Tuesday; it was preceded by Spain, Ireland and Norway last week.
This step raises the number of European Union states that have agreed to recognise a Palestinian state to 10; they are Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria.
It was granted with 52 votes of 90 members of parliament while having the opposition from the right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party. The SDS stated that it was premature to recognise a Palestinian state as it would only encourage the “terrorist organization” Hamas.
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The decision was made alongside other actions aimed at increasing pressure on Israel to stop the war in Gaza. The conflict started after a militant incursion across the border on October 7, 2022, when over 1,200 people were killed and over 250 hostages taken.
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob appeared cheerful after the acknowledgement, noting that it gives a message of hope for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza.
This recognition is likely to cause a domino effect, as other countries in Europe may emulate the same action. It also points to a repudiation of war and diplomacy in the Middle East and a willingness to address the Palestinian issue in a more fair and just manner.
