Slovenia Recognizes Palestinian State in Parliamentary Vote Amid Ongoing Conflict

On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Slovenia's parliament voted overwhelmingly to recognize a Palestinian state. This decision follows similar actions by Spain, Norway, and Ireland, marking a significant step in Slovenia's foreign policy.

The vote passed with 52 lawmakers in favor and no opposition, although 38 lawmakers were absent. This move increases the number of European Union countries recognizing Palestine to eight.

Slovenia's government had endorsed the motion last week and sent it to parliament for final approval. The decision comes in the wake of Israel's latest attacks on Rafah, which have caused over a million Palestinians to flee.

Why this matters: Slovenia's recognition of a Palestinian state has significant implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the international community's stance on the issue. This move may influence other European Union countries to reconsider their stance on Palestinian statehood, potentially leading to increased diplomatic pressure on Israel to resolve the conflict.

Prime Minister Robert Golob addressed lawmakers before the vote, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "We started talking with our allies about the recognition of Palestine in February this year," Golob said. "At the time, the assessment was — the time is not yet ripe ... we warned that we, Europe, have a ... duty to act."

Golob also drew parallels between Slovenia's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and the Palestinian struggle for statehood. "We Slovenians have dreamed of this right for 1,000 years. We got it 33 years ago," he said. "Unfortunately, the Palestinian nation has not yet received this right."

Slovenia's main opposition party, the Slovenian Democratic Party, opposed the recognition and had demanded a referendum on the issue. However, they withdrew their bid on the day of the vote.

The recognition process began in early May but was delayed as a result of the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza. Prime Minister Golob expedited the process in response to Israel's recent attacks on Rafah.

More than 140 countries worldwide recognize a Palestinian state, which is over two-thirds of the United Nations. Previously, only seven EU member states had officially recognized a Palestinian state, including five former East bloc countries that announced recognition in 1988, Cyprus, and Sweden in 2014.

Israel's air and land attacks have killed over 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and have displaced more than 1 million people. Slovenia's recognition of Palestine is seen as a response to these recent events.

Slovenia's recognition of a Palestinian state highlights the growing support within the European Union for Palestinian sovereignty. This decision is expected to influence other EU countries to reconsider their stance on the issue.

The international community continues to struggle with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Slovenia's move adds a significant voice to the call for Palestinian statehood and highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

Key Takeaways

• Slovenia's parliament votes to recognize a Palestinian state with 52 in favor, 0 opposed.
• This move increases EU countries recognizing Palestine to 8, potentially influencing others.
• Recognition comes after Israel's attacks on Rafah, displacing over 1 million Palestinians.
• Over 140 countries worldwide recognize a Palestinian state, including 8 EU member states.
• Slovenia's decision adds to growing EU support for Palestinian sovereignty and statehood.

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