Ireland is considering designating May 21 as the date to recognise the Palestinian state

On May 21, Spain, Ireland, and other EU nations would recognise the Palestinian state, according to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This announcement comes ahead of a United Nations vote on May 10 regarding a Palestinian bid to become a full U.N. member. 

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Efforts to Recognise the Palestinian State Signal Progress Towards a Two-State Solution

The recognition by Spain and Ireland is part of a larger movement within the EU to acknowledge a Palestinian state, alongside Israel, as part of a two-state solution for lasting peace. In March, Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez declared that his country, Ireland, Slovenia, and Malta were beginning the process of recognising a state for Palestine. 

Josep Borrell described the move as a symbolic political act, emphasising the intention to recognise the existence of a Palestinian state. Other countries, including Belgium, are also expected to follow suit. This choice was made in response to demands for an end to hostilities and an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Palestinian petition is expected to receive approval from the UN General Assembly, which will return the application to the UN Security Council for further consideration. Robert Golob, the prime minister of Slovenia, declared that his nation would acknowledge Palestine’s statehood by the middle of June. Since 1988, 139 of the 193 UN members have recognised Palestinian statehood.