France moves to block further European recognition of the Palestinian state
France has proven to be the biggest opponent of the establishment of a Palestinian state after expressing criticism of European countries that have recognized the Palestinian state, seeing Spain as the opponent competing with it in European decision-making, and moving to block other European recognition.
Three European countries – Spain, Norway and Ireland – recognized the Palestinian state last Tuesday, then Slovenia did, and Belgium plans to recognize the Palestinian state in the coming weeks.
Paris is uncomfortable with the Spanish move led by Prime Minister Pedor Sanchez, who since Octber 7 has led the central European Union’s campaign to rally European support for recognition of a Palestinian state.
Paris was reportedly opposed to the attempt, but this week it was confirmed by concrete and events.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that “recognition of a Palestinian state isn’t a taboo topic for France, but it must come at a useful time and not a response to emotion”.
Macron’s comment last Tuesday on Spanish, Norwegian and Irish recognition of the Palestinian state came a few hours after the tripartite retreat.
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné joined his choir on Wednesday, accusing Spain, Ireland and Norway of favoring “political positioning”, particularly in the context of the European election campaign, rather than seeking a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“France supports the two-state solution; Clearly, the question of recognition must, of course, be raised… The question arises, and I have said this very clearly to my Spanish and Irish counterparts in particular, is what is the day after the question of recognition? What is the diplomatic point?”
France fears losing political influence among the EU on highly sensitive issues such as Palestine and relations with China and Russia.
It sees Spain as a major adversary in the Mediterranean issues, especially since Spain has refused in the past to go along with Paris in its hostile policy towards Türkiye.
France is believed to have pressured Belgium not to recognize a Palestinian state, and Paris considers its Belgian neighbor a diplomatic attaché.
In order to cover up its positions obstructing the recognition of a Palestinian state, France calls on the Palestinian Authority to reform in preparation for recognition.
President Macron was the only one in the world to call for an international coalition against Hamas on October 7.
