Europe's Dilemma: The Search for Unity in Palestinian Recognition Amidst Ongoing Conflict

In 1980, during Leonid Brezhnev's rule over the Soviet Union and Donald Trump's early days as a property developer, the nine leaders of the then European Community embarked on their first major foray into joint diplomacy, focusing on the Middle East and the recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Venice Declaration encapsulated this mission, asserting the need to respect the right to existence and security for all states in the region, including Israel, and recognizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Now, over 45 years later, the European Union (EU) faces severe criticism for its persistent failure to foster peace in the Middle East and for its inadequate response to one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has recently been vocal about Europe’s shortcomings, asserting that the EU's response to the situation in Gaza has been a failure. Slovenia's President Nataša Pirc Musar echoed similar sentiments, describing Israel's actions as genocidal and questioning the tolerance of certain politicians, even within EU member states, towards the displacement and destruction faced by Palestinians in Gaza. The situation has reached a point where 209 former EU ambassadors and diplomatic staff expressed their profound disappointment in a letter to EU leaders last month, lamenting the lack of substantive measures to pressure Israel to cease its brutal military actions in Gaza. As European leaders grapple with increasing pressure to take decisive action, the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) could further showcase the divisions within the EU concerning Israel and Palestinian recognition. France, the UK, Canada, and Australia have signaled their intention to recognize Palestine at the UNGA, marking a significant moment from three G7 countries and two permanent members of the UN Security Council. Currently, about one-third of EU countries recognize Palestine, with a group of central and eastern European nations such as Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania leading the charge since 1988, during the Soviet era. On the other hand, Hungary—under Viktor Orbán, a strong defender of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—paints a more complex picture of Europe’s stance. The Czech Republic, despite its historical support for recognition in 1988, has shifted its position and does not intend to unilaterally recognize Palestine, advocating for a two-state solution instead. Many western EU member states have recognized Palestine in light of shifting Israeli policies and actions. For instance, Sweden recognized Palestinian statehood in 2014, followed by Ireland, Spain, and Norway in May 2024, reacting to Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza. France's President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his country’s commitment to recognizing Palestine in July, while Belgium recently joined the ranks of EU countries signaling their intention to support Palestinian statehood after a complex political debate. This recognition will come into effect post the release of the last Israeli hostage held by Hamas, showcasing the intricate interplay between humanitarian considerations and diplomatic maneuvering. This ongoing war on Gaza has led to significant internal strife within European politics, dividing parties and shaking fragile coalitions. The Dutch government has thus far ruled out recognition but lost its foreign minister, Caspar Veldkamp, over disagreements regarding Israel. Similarly, Finland's position remains noncommittal as divisions appear between its president and prime minister, highlighting the fragmented approach within the EU. Martin Konečný from the European Middle East Project warns that recognition of Palestine could merely become an empty gesture if not accompanied by genuine pressure on Israel to amend its policies regarding Gaza and West Bank settlements. He stresses the urgency of action, noting that the systematic dismantling of Palestinian autonomy and rights renders the two-state solution impossible. Since the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which left about 1,200 people dead and resulted in the kidnapping of 251 hostages, Israel's military actions have reportedly killed over 63,700 individuals in Gaza, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis with dire consequences. Despite an EU foreign policy service report indicating that Israel is breaching human rights obligations, the bloc has refrained from implementing any substantial measures against the Netanyahu government. The European Commission's suggestion of a limited suspension of Israel from EU programs has not garnered necessary support, particularly from Germany and Italy. Former EU representative to the Palestinian territories, Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, expresses skepticism about a collective EU response, urging individual nations to act independently, potentially forming coalitions beyond traditional formats. As he foresees a diminishing relevance for the EU in the context of Gaza, the need for united action among like-minded nations becomes increasingly apparent. In these turbulent times, Europe’s diplomatic landscape continues to evolve, revealing both the complexities of international politics and the urgent need for a cohesive strategy aimed at achieving lasting peace and justice in the region. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2