Erdogan applauds moves by European nations to acknowledge Palestine's sovereignty
In a notable shift in global politics, efforts to recognise Palestine as an independent state have gained momentum in 2025. Key announcements by influential countries, such as the United Kingdom and France, have accelerated this movement.
The United Kingdom, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has declared that it will recognise Palestine in September, contingent upon Israel making substantial progress towards a ceasefire, halting settlement expansion in the West Bank, and committing to a two-state solution [1][2]. France, another G7 and UN Security Council member, has also announced its intention to recognise Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September [1].
Malta and San Marino have joined this movement, with Malta announcing recognition at the UN General Assembly and San Marino aiming for recognition by the end of 2025 [3]. These European nations' moves come amid ongoing tensions in the Gaza region and widespread international debates about the peace process.
Over 140 countries had already recognised Palestine in earlier years, but the recent moves by Western nations like the UK and France are considered diplomatically significant, intended to increase pressure on Israel to halt hostilities and promote peace talks [1].
Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has expressed strong support for this international recognition. Erdogan has pledged to step up efforts to "increase the pressure on the Israeli government to prevent the humanitarian disaster in Gaza" [4]. He has also emphasised Turkey's commitment to contributing to efforts for a ceasefire and lasting peace in the region [5].
The growing humanitarian reactions from Europe are seen by Erdogan as important in the recognition of Palestine [6]. Erdogan has personally called French President Emmanuel Macron to congratulate him on this decision [7]. Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's office has also stated that Portugal would consider recognition in September [3].
Notably absent from this movement are major non-European powers. The US maintains strong support for Israel, continuing substantial military aid and rejecting congressional efforts to reduce defence collaboration [8], indicating a diplomatic contrast with recent European initiatives.
References:
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- Al Jazeera
- Reuters
- Anadolu Agency
- Deutsche Welle
- France 24
- The Hill
- The shift in global politics, characterized by renewed efforts to recognize Palestine as an independent state, has extended to Europe, with countries like the United Kingdom and France making intentional announcements.
- As Palestine's quest for statehood gains traction, other European nations, including Malta, San Marino, and potentially Portugal, are aligning themselves with this movement, emphasizing ongoing tensions and international debates about peace in the region.
