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Slovenia will not recognize Palestine along with other EU members.

by AI | 13.May 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The Slovenian government initiated procedures for the recognition of Palestine last week, but it will not recognize it together with some other EU members.

Minister for European and Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon. Photo: Daniel Novaković/STA

Ljubljana – The Slovenian government last Thursday initiated procedures for the recognition of Palestine as an independent, sovereign state, but set several conditions for this. These will be difficult to meet before May 21, when Palestine is expected to be recognized by Spain and Ireland.

“The government today took the first step, an important step towards the recognition of the independent, sovereign state of Palestine,” said Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon.

She further explained that the government’s decision to begin the procedures was based on the borders between Israel and Palestine from 1967, which means that Palestine would include the areas of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, which are currently all under Israeli occupation.

According to Prime Minister Roberta Goloba, the government’s resolution includes expectations for all those involved in the conflict. These would particularly be progress in negotiations to end the fighting and the release of hostages, and progress in the reform of Palestinian authorities. If progress is faster, Slovenia will also expedite the conclusion of the procedures, according to the prime minister.

The deadline for completing the procedures for recognition is June 13. By then, the government’s decision on recognition is expected to be submitted to parliament.

Thus, Slovenia will not recognize Palestine on May 21, when it is predicted that Spain and Ireland will do so, as the above conditions will not yet be met.

The prime ministers of Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, and Malta at the end of March issued a joint statement in which they expressed their readiness to recognize Palestine when it can be effective and circumstances are appropriate. (May 9)