France Joins Six Nations in Recognising Palestinian Statehood
NEW YORK – September 22, 2025: France and five other European nations have formally recognised the State of Palestine, marking a significant diplomatic shift announced on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Alongside France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco confirmed their recognition during a high-level meeting co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.
Macron’s Announcement
French President Emmanuel Macron told delegates that the time had come to advance a peaceful solution.
“It falls on us, this responsibility, to do everything in our power to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution,” Macron said. “Today, I declare that France recognises the State of Palestine.”
Growing International Support
The decision adds to the 147 UN member states that had already recognised Palestinian statehood as of April 2025. With these new announcements, more than 80 percent of the global community now formally recognises Palestine.
Leaders from Australia, Canada, Portugal, and the United Kingdom—the UK having extended recognition just a day earlier—also addressed the summit in support of renewed diplomatic efforts.
Context and Recent Moves
Recognition of Palestine has gained momentum in Europe. Spain, Norway, and Ireland took similar steps in 2024, with Spain also applying diplomatic measures related to the conflict.
European leaders at the New York summit underlined that recognition is intended to revive hopes for a two-state solution, long seen as the cornerstone of peace efforts in the region.
